VAUGHAN
Vaughan
Overview
Vaughan is a prominent Anglo-Welsh surname of Welsh origin derived from the Welsh personal name "Fychan," which means "small" or "junior." The surname has a long history and is widely distributed in Wales and England, particularly in regions with a strong Welsh influence. The Vaughans have played significant roles in various fields, including politics, literature, and the military.
History
The Vaughan surname can be traced back to the medieval period in Wales, where it was originally a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a father or ancestor with the given name Fychan. The early recorded instances of the surname date back to the 12th century, and the Vaughans were notable landowners and nobles in Wales during the Middle Ages.
One of the most famous bearers of the Vaughan surname was Sir John Vaughan (1603–1674), a Welsh judge and politician who served as Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas and later as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal under King Charles II. His legal expertise and contributions to English law left a lasting legacy.
Distribution
The Vaughan surname is prevalent not only in Wales but also in England and other parts of the English-speaking world due to Welsh migration. In Wales, the surname is most common in regions such as Powys, Gwynedd, and Monmouthshire. In England, Vaughans can be found in areas with historical ties to Wales, such as the border counties and London.
Famous Bearers
- Richard Vaughan (c. 1550–1607): Welsh physician and author known for his medical treatises and contributions to the field of medicine.
- Lynda S. Vaughan (b. 1957): British actress and playwright known for her work in theatre and television.
- George Vaughan (1741–1795): British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars.
The Vaughan surname continues to be a prominent and respected name in British society, reflecting the rich heritage and contributions of the Welsh people to the cultural tapestry of the United Kingdom.
There are approximately 24,134 people named Vaughan in the UK. That makes it the 341st most common surname in Britain. Around 371 in a million people in Britain are named Vaughan.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan