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Vaughn

♂ Boy

Pronounced VAWN /vɔːn/High

Meaning: Small; little; from Welsh fychan (small, little, junior) — a diminutive suffix that became a surnameHigh

In 30 seconds: A Welsh surname meaning 'small' or 'little,' from fychan (the junior, the younger). Despite its humble meaning, Vaughn has a sophisticated, one-syllable sound — associated with jazz musician Sarah Vaughan and Vince Vaughn.

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Origin HighWelsh

MeaningSmall; little; from Welsh fychan (small, little, junior) — a diminutive suffix that became a surname

U.S. rank (2025)#1153 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births183 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1949

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,363

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Vaughn is a Welsh surname from fychan (small, little, junior), an anglicization used to distinguish younger family members (junior) from older ones. It became a hereditary Welsh surname and then a given name.

Vaughn ranked #1187 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990), nicknamed 'The Divine One' and 'Sassy,' is one of the greatest jazz vocalists in history — her four-octave range and extraordinary improvisational ability have influenced every jazz vocalist who came after her.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Vaughn — Welsh etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

VaughanVon

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Vaughn Monroe (1911-1973)
American big-band singer and trumpeter
★Vaughn Bodé (1941-1975)
American underground comix artist and cartoonist

If you like Vaughn…

Vance— one-syllable V-name with the same sophisticated minimal quality

Beau— one-syllable French-feel name with the same understated elegance

Blaine— one-syllable Welsh/Celtic surname name with the same dignified feel

Wade— one-syllable Old English nature name with the same quiet confidence

Blake— one-syllable Old English surname with the same crisp, polished character

Explore names like Vaughn

By themesurname-style welsh one-syllable jazz

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Vaughn mean?

Vaughn means 'small' or 'little,' from Welsh fychan (junior, the younger one).

How do you pronounce Vaughn?

It's said VAWN — one syllable, rhyming with 'dawn.'

Is Vaughn a boy or girl name?

Vaughn is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Vaughn?

Vaughn ranked #1187 for U.S. boys in 2024.