Fraser Valley
/ˈfreɪzər ˈvæli/noun
A geographic region in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, centered on the lower Fraser River and its surrounding lowlands.
Did you know?The valley takes its name indirectly from Simon Fraser, whose 1808 expedition traveled the river that now bears his name, although Indigenous peoples had known and occupied the region for thousands of years.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“A reconstructed root associated with turning, bending, or enclosing; its precise relationship to later Latin vallis is debated.”
Classical Antiquity
Latin
vallis
“A valley or enclosed low area between hills.”
12th Century
Old French
valee
“A valley; the source of English valley through French influence.”
14th Century
Middle English
valey
“A low tract of land between hills or mountains.”
1808
English
Fraser River
“The river was named for explorer Simon Fraser after his expedition descended it; the river’s Indigenous names and histories are much older.”
Modern English
English
Fraser Valley
“The regional name for the lower Fraser River valley and adjacent communities in British Columbia.”