Vaughan is an English surname and given name that originated from Welsh origins, specifically from the word 'bychan' which means 'small'. It is believed to have been used as a nickname for a small person or perhaps someone who was considered minor in some way. The name became quite popular during the Middle Ages and has since been passed down through generations.
In the United Kingdom, Vaughan is more commonly used as a surname rather than a given name. However, it can still be found as a first name, particularly among families with Welsh heritage or those who choose unique and historical names for their children. Some notable individuals named Vaughan include the American actor Steve Vaughan and the Canadian ice hockey player Jeff Vaughan.
Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including Vaughan with an 's' at the end (Vaughans), Van, Vann, and even Vaughn without the 'h'. These variations may be due to different regions or languages interpreting and spelling the name differently over time. Despite these variations, the core meaning and origin of the name remain consistent.
Overall, Vaughan is a historic and unique name with Welsh roots that has been passed down through generations and continues to hold significance today.
The name Vaughan experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 1603 births recorded between 1911 and 2023. The peak years for the name were 1947 (25 births), 2006 (34 births), and 2018 (21 births). Conversely, there were several years with only a single-digit number of births, including three years (1913, 1936, and 1985) with fewer than five births each.