What does Vaughn mean and where does it come from?
Vaughn is originally a surname of Welsh origin, derived from 'faes' meaning 'dweller at a location'. In recent years, Vaughn has been used as a first name, with a notable trend in the United States particularly since the 20th century. It has been used for both males and females but has gained popula
Cultural significance
Vaughn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #1153 in 2025 — currently #1153 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Vaughn?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Vaughn?
Vaughn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Vaughn Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Vaughn Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Vaughn Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Vaughn Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Vaughn Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Vaughn Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Vaughn right now?
Rising — up 35 spots — currently #1153 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1153 | 183 | ▲ up 35 · +5% births |
| 2024 | #1188 | 174 | ▲ up 27 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #1215 | 164 | ▼ down 49 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #1166 | 176 | ▼ down 48 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #1118 | 183 | ▲ up 5455 · +976% births |
| 2020 | #6573 | 17 | ▲ up 1429 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #8002 | 14 | ▼ down 770 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #7232 | 17 | ▲ up 4610 · +143% births |
| 2000 | #11842 | 7 | ▼ down 398 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #11444 | 6 | ▼ down 3992 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #7452 | 8 | ▲ up 609 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #8061 | 5 | ▼ down 1472 |
| 1965 | #6589 | 5 | ▼ down 2129 · -44% births |
| 1960 | #4460 | 9 | ▼ down 1603 · -44% births |
| 1955 | #2857 | 16 | — |
The story of Vaughn
Vaughn entered American naming records in 1901 and has been in use for over 123 years. A total of 21,494 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4317 in 1915 to #1215 in 2023. Vaughn is used for both genders: 5% female and 95% male.
Names that peaked alongside Vaughn in 2025:
Vaughn by decade
Vaughn peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 10 | |
| 1890s | 61 | |
| 1900s | 155 | |
| 1910s | 908 | |
| 1920s | 1,348 | |
| 1930s | 1,440 | |
| 1940s | 2,484 | |
| 1950s | 2,526 | |
| 1960s ★ | 2,622 | |
| 1970s | 1,632 | |
| 1980s | 1,483 | |
| 1990s | 1,765 | |
| 2000s | 2,416 | |
| 2010s | 2,449 | |
| 2020s | 588 | |
What are good nicknames for Vaughn?
What names sound and feel like Vaughn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vaughn also consider these
How is Vaughn written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Vaughn
What does the name Vaughn mean?
Vaughn means "Welsh" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Vaughn?
Vaughn is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Vaughn?
Vaughn originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Vaughn?
Vaughn is a one-syllable name pronounced VAWN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Vaughn sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Vaughn flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Vaughn ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.