Vaughn

Vaughn is a name used as both a surname and a given name. It is one of several Anglicized spellings of a Welsh-origin name, with common variants including Vaughan and Vaughan. In the United States and other English-speaking countries, Vaughn appears as both a family name and a given name.

Etymology and history: The surname Vaughan is traditionally linked to the Welsh personal name Fychan, a term often understood to mean “younger” or “junior.” Over time, Fychan evolved into various surnames in Wales and was later adopted more broadly in England and other parts of the world. The given-name usage of Vaughn emerged from these surname forms and gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries in North America and beyond.

Usage and cultural presence: The name Vaughn appears across many domains, including arts, sports, science, and public life. It is found in literature, film, television, and other media, where it may function as either a surname or a given name. The broad adoption of Vaughn reflects its versatility and relatively neutral, Anglo-Welsh heritage.

Summary: Vaughn is a versatile name with Welsh roots, widely used today as both a surname and a given name in the English-speaking world. Its variants, including Vaughan, illustrate the fluid spelling practices often seen with Welsh-derived names.