Vaughan
Vaughan: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /vɔːn/
Meaning and origin of Vaughan
Root meaning: “little”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
Borrowed from Welsh Vychan, from bychan, diminutive of bach (“little”).
How popular is Vaughan?
Since 1880, 22 girls and 1,615 boys in the U.S. have been named Vaughan (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4904 in 1939. Its highest rank for boys was #1517 in 1947. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Vaughan
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Welsh boy names
Sibling name ideas for Vaughan
Sister and brother names that share Vaughan's Welsh roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Vaughan FAQ
What does the name Vaughan mean?
Vaughan traces back to a root meaning "little". A male given name transferred from the surname. Borrowed from Welsh Vychan, from bychan, diminutive of bach (“little”).
What is the origin of the name Vaughan?
Vaughan is listed as a name of Welsh origin.
How popular is the name Vaughan?
Since 1880, 22 girls and 1,615 boys in the U.S. have been named Vaughan (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4904 in 1939. Its highest rank for boys was #1517 in 1947. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Vaughan a boy or girl name?
Vaughan is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 22 girls and 1,615 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.