Vaughan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The surname Vaughan is derived from the Welsh words fychan, vychan, and bychan, which all mean small or little. The name was sometimes used to distinguish the younger of two bearers of the same personal name; and in other instances, it may have been a nickname, applied ironically, to a tall person.

Early Origins of the Vaughan family

The surname Vaughan was first found in Shropshire, where they were descended from Tudor Trevor, the Earl of Hereford, and Lord of Maylors. His wife was descended from Howel Dda, King of South Wales, in 907. Descended was Gronwy, Earl of Hereford, through a series of Lords of Maylors and Oswestry. They descended to John Vaughan, son of Rhys Ap Llewellyn, of Plas Thomas in Shrewsbury.

Howel Vychan (Howel the Little) (d. 825) was a Welsh prince, said to have been son of Rhodri, a reputed descendant of Cunedda and king of Gwynedd or North Wales. 1

Later, Vychan (Vaughan the Little) (fl 1230-1240), was a Welsh statesman and warrior who seems to have been the most trusted counsellor of Llewelyn ab Iorwerth. "In 1231, he signed a truce between Henry III and Llewelyn. In legendary history Ednyved is very famous, and stories are told how he slew three English chiefs in a hard fight. He became the ancestor of many leading Welsh families, and among them of the house of Tudor. He is said to have married, first, Gwenllian, daughter of the Lord Rhys of South Wales, and, secondly, the daughter of Llywerch ab Bran. By each of these ladies he had numerous offspring." 1

Early History of the Vaughan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vaughan research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1447, 1522, 1587, 1592, 1600, 1603, 1613, 1620, 1621, 1626, 1629, 1639, 1640, 1644, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1666, 1667, 1672, 1674, 1675, 1676, 1678, 1679, 1681, 1683, 1686, 1695, 1713 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Vaughan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vaughan Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. Clerks would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Vaughan name over the years has been spelled Vaughan, Vaughn and others.

Early Notables of the Vaughan family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

Sir Griffith Vaughan or Vychan (d. 1447), Welsh soldier, was son of Griffith ap Leuan
Edward Vaughan (d. 1522), Welsh Bishop of St. David's
Sir Henry Vaughan the elder (1587?-1659), a Welsh politician, Member of Parliament for Carmarthen (1621-1629), Member of Parliament for Carmarthenshire (1640-1644), High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire (16...
Robert Powell Vaughan (ca. 1592-1667), an eminent Welsh antiquary and collector of manuscripts
Thomas Vaughan (1621-1666), a Welsh philosopher, best remembered for his writings in the area of natural magic
Sir John Vaughan SL (1603-1674), of Trawsgoed, a Welsh justice from Ceredigion, Wales
Edward Vaughan (died 1661), a Welsh politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1626 and 1661
Sir Henry Vaughan the elder (1587?-1659), a Welsh politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1621 and 1644
Sir Henry Vaughan the younger (1613-1676), of Derwydd in Carmarthenshire, a Welsh Member of Parliament
Richard Vaughan, 2nd Earl of Carbery KB, PC (c.1600-1686), Welsh soldier, peer and politician, Lord President of Wales (1660-1672)
Henry Vaughan (1621-1695), a Welsh author, physician and metaphysical poet from Newton, Brecknockshire and his twin brother Thomas Vaughan (1621-1666), a Welsh philosopher
Edward Vaughan (died 1683), a Welsh lawyer and politician from Trawsgoed, Cardiganshire, Member of Parliament for Cardiganshire (1679-1681)

Vaughan World Ranking

In the United States, the name Vaughan is the 854^th most popular surname with an estimated 34,818 people with that name. 2 However, in Australia, the name Vaughan is ranked the 474^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,953 people with that name. 3 And in New Zealand, the name Vaughan is the 601^st popular surname with an estimated 1,196 people with that name. 4 The United Kingdom ranks Vaughan as 351^st with 17,865 people. 5

Migration of the Vaughan family to Ireland

Some of the Vaughan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vaughan migration to the United States +

Many Welsh joined the great migrations to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like their Scottish and Irish neighbors, many Welsh families left their homeland hoping to find hope and prosperity in a land that the English did not exercise a tight rule over. Those Welsh immigrants that successfully traveled to North America went on to make significant contributions to the rapid development of both Canada and the United States in terms of the settling of land and the establishment of industry. They also added to the rich cultural heritage of both countries. An examination into the immigration and passenger lists has discovered a number of people bearing the name Vaughan:

Vaughan Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

George Vaughan, who settled in Maine in 1629
Mr. Robert Vaughan, (d. 1668), who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove" 6
Rowland Vaughan, aged 19, who landed in Virginia in 1635 7
Davie Vaughan, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Globe" 7
Jo Vaughan, aged 17, who landed in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Elizabeth" 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Vaughan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Heather Vaughan, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 7
Ambrose Vaughan, who landed in Virginia in 1711 7
Mary Vaughan, who landed in Virginia in 1719 7
George Vaughan, who arrived in Maryland in 1740 7
Richard Vaughan, who arrived in America in 1760-1763 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Vaughan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Francis W Vaughan, aged 16, who landed in Georgia in 1812 7
James Vaughan, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 7
Y Vaughan, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 7
Lumon Vaughan, who arrived in New York, NY in 1836 7
Henry Vaughan, aged 28, who landed in Mobile, Ala in 1852 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Vaughan migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Vaughan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John Vaughan from Milford Haven settled in St. John's Newfoundland in 1825 8
Robert Vaughan, who arrived in Canada in 1831
William Vaughan was a planter in Mulleys Cove in Conception Bay, Newfoundland in 1844 8
Mr. John Vaughan, aged 23 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Emigrant" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in October 1847 9
Mr. John Henry Vaughan who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec but died on Grosse Isle on 26th May 1847 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Vaughan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Vaughan Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. Joseph Vaughan, English convict who was convicted in Worcester, Worcestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10

Vaughan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Peter Vaughan, (b. 1802), aged 17, Scottish stable boy who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 14 years for theft, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 22nd September 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Michael Vaughan, a stone-mason, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
Mr. William Vaughan, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl St Vincent" on 20th April 1826, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 12
Mr. Henry Vaughan, (b. 1795), aged 32, English seaman who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the "Florentia" on 14th August 1827, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. William Vaughan, English convict who was convicted in Worcestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Florentia" on 14th August 1827, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Vaughan migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Vaughan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

James Vaughan, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1842 aboard the ship Birman
James Vaughan, aged 37, a plumber, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Birman" in 1842
Jane Vaughan, aged 37, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Birman" in 1842
Augustus Vaughan, aged 13, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Birman" in 1842
Mr. Thomas Vaughan, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship 'Merchantman' arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 6th September 1855 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Vaughan migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 15

Vaughan Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. John Vaughan, aged 23 who arrived in St. Kitts (St Christopher) aboard the ship "Amity" in 1635 7
Ralph Vaughan, aged 22, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 7

Contemporary Notables of the name Vaughan (post 1700) +

Adrienne Vaughan (1977-1978), American businesswoman and publishing house executive, President of Bloomsbury USA
Charles Kaye Vaughan (1931-2023), American-born Canadian professional football with the Ottawa Rough Riders for twelve seasons, inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1978
David Vaughan (1924-2017), American dance archivist, historian and critic
Jimmie Lawrence Vaughan (b. 1951), American blues rock guitarist and singer, older brother of Stevie Vaughan
Stephen Ray "Stevie" Vaughan (1954-1990), American six-time Grammy Award winning musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2014
Sarah Lois Vaughan (1924-1990), American jazz singer
Charles Wesley "Pug" Vaughan (1911-1964), American football running back
Thomas Wayland Vaughan (1870-1952), American geologist and oceanographer who worked with the United States Geological Survey
Robert Charles "Bob" Vaughan FRS (b. 1945), British mathematician, known for his work in the field of analytic number theory, fellow of the American Mathematical Society in 2012
Brian K. Vaughan (b. 1976), American comic book and television writer, best known for the comic book series Y: The Last Man, Ex MaChina, Runaways, Pride of Baghdad, and Saga, nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Dramatic Series in 2009
... (Another 34 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Vaughan family +

Halifax Explosion

Mrs. Catherine Vaughan, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
Master Bernard Vaughan (1912-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
Mrs. Mary Vaughan (1869-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
Mr. William M Vaughan (1879-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
Miss Dorothy Vaughan (1914-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 16
... (Another 7 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Robert H Vaughan, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 17

HMS Repulse

Mr. William Vaughan, British Leading Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 18
Mr. Walworth Gwyn Jenkin Vaughan, British Stoker 2ne Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 18

USS Arizona

Mr. William Frank Vaughan, American Pharmacist's Mate Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 19

The Vaughan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Non revertar inultus
Motto Translation: I will not return unrevenged.

Citations +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 59)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-st-vincent
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/florentia
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html