Vaughn is a unique and distinctive given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh surname Vaughan, which is believed to have originated from the ancient Welsh personal name, "Ap Howell," meaning "son of Howell." Howell was a popular name among the Welsh nobility during medieval times.
The surname Vaughan was first recorded in the early 14th century and has since been widely used as a given name. In some cases, Vaughn has also been used as a feminine given name, although it is more commonly associated with males.
Vaughn is not typically associated with any specific meaning or symbolism beyond its origins. However, it has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and spelling, as well as its association with notable figures such as actor Vaughn Monroe and basketball player Shawn Vaughn. Overall, Vaughn is a distinctive and uncommon given name with a rich history rooted in Welsh nobility.
The name Vaughn experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with a total of 21,003 births recorded between 1881 and 2023. The name's usage remained relatively stable at single-digit figures from 1881 to 1946, but it began to gain traction in the post-WWII era. Between 1947 and 2005, Vaughn's popularity surged significantly, peaking with 356 births in 1948 and reaching a total of 2,548 births during this period alone. However, from 2006 onwards, the name's popularity started to decline, with fewer than 300 births recorded each year since then.