Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Vaughan

      Origin 
      Welsh

      Meaning 
      Small

      Variations 
      Vaughn, JuVaughn, Shevaughn

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Vaughan has its origins in the Welsh language, where it is derived from the word bychan, meaning small. This etymology suggests that the name originally described a person of diminutive stature or perhaps referred to someone who occupied a small piece of land. Vaughan is a relatively common Welsh name, and it dates back centuries in history.

      Throughout history, the name Vaughan has made appearances in various contexts. In medieval times, individuals bearing the name often held positions of prominence and influence, such as landowners or members of the aristocracy. Notable historical figures include Welsh nobleman Roger Vaughan, known for his support of Henry Tudor during the Wars of the Roses, and his son, Sir Thomas Vaughan, who served as a knight in the court of King Henry VII.

      In modern times, the name Vaughan continues to be used as a name, though it is less common as a first name. Its connection to Welsh heritage and its meaning as small still resonate with individuals looking to honor their Welsh roots. Additionally, Vaughan can be found as a place name, both in Wales and other English-speaking countries, further solidifying its historical and regional significance.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Vaughan.
      Jones

      is the most common surname for Vaughan.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Vaughan.

      Vaughan

      is the most common child name for Vaughan.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1904 is when there were the most people born with the first name Vaughan.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.