Surname · Welsh origin
Vaughan
Meaning
The surname Vaughan means Small, junior.
Origin
Welsh
Type
descriptive
The origin of the surname Vaughan
Vaughan comes from bychan, “small” or “younger,” often to distinguish a son from his father.
What kind of surname is Vaughan?
Vaughan is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic. It belongs to the Welsh naming tradition — you can read how Welsh surnames were formed on our Welsh last names page.
Other Welsh surnames
Other descriptive surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Vaughan mean?
The surname Vaughan means Small, junior. Vaughan comes from bychan, “small” or “younger,” often to distinguish a son from his father.
Where does the surname Vaughan come from?
Vaughan is a surname of Welsh origin.
What kind of surname is Vaughan?
Vaughan is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic.
What are other Welsh surnames?
Other Welsh surnames include Bevan, Bowen, Griffiths, Lloyd, Maddox, Meredith.