VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS
Also recorded as Vaughan Williams, Vaughanwilliams
Vaughan-Williams
The surname Vaughan-Williams is a hyphenated surname originating in the British Isles. The name is a combination of the Welsh name "Vaughan" and the English surname "Williams."
Origin and Meaning:
- Vaughan: A Welsh surname, derived from the Welsh personal name "Fychan", meaning 'little' or 'junior'.
- Williams: An English patronymic surname meaning 'son of William'.
History:
The Vaughan-Williams surname likely emerged when individuals with Welsh and English ancestry intermarried, leading to the hyphenated name combining both surnames. This practice is common in Wales, where surnames often incorporate both Welsh and English elements.
Prominent Figures:
- Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958): A renowned English composer, known for his symphonies, choral music, and film scores.
- Ursula Vaughan Williams (1911-2007): The second wife of Ralph Vaughan Williams, she was a writer and biographer, known for her work in preserving the legacy of her husband.
The hyphenated surname Vaughan-Williams reflects the diversity and historical connections between the Welsh and English cultures in the British Isles. It is a name associated with creativity, music, and cultural heritage, with notable individuals contributing to the arts and literature.
There are approximately 136 people named Vaughan-Williams in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Vaughan-Williams.