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Origin Displayed: Welsh

Where did the Welsh Vaughan family come from? What is the Welsh coat of arms/family crest? When did the Vaughan family first arrive in the United States? Where did the various branches of the family go? What is the history of the family name?

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.

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. In the early Middle Ages, the great majority of Welsh people were illiterate, therefore it was up to priests and the very few other literate individuals that kept official records to determine how to spell the names that they heard. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Vaughan has seen various spelling variations: Vaughan, Vaughn and others.

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.

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Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:





  • Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
  • Known spelling variations
  • Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
  • Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
  • First settlers to North America
  • Notable contemporary bearers of the name
  • A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Vaughan George Vaughan settled in Maine in 1629; Patrick Vaughan settled in Virginia in 1635; Elizabeth Vaughan settled in Virginia in 1654; John Vaughan settled in Virginia in 1636.

Motto Translated: I will not return unrevenged.

For more information on the last name Vaughan, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.


Suggested Readings for the name Vaughan
  • John Vaughan Settled Newport, Rhode Island, 1638 by Herman Vaughan Griffin.
  • Vaughan Pioneers: William and Fereby Vaughan Of Russell County, Virginia by Lewis Elmo Vaughan.
  • Vauhgans in Wales & America by James E. Vaughan.

Some noteworthy people of the name Vaughan
  • Thomas Vaughan, American Company director
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan, American blues singer/musician
  • Sarah Lois Vaughan (1924-1990), original name of Sassy Vaughan
  • Henry Vaughan (1622-1695), Welsh religious poet
  • Sir John Vaughan (1603-1674), Welsh lawyer
  • Robert Vaughan (1795-1868), Welsh clergyman and historian
  • William Vaughan (1577-1641), Welsh poet
  • Sir George Vaughan, British Diplomat
  • Hilda Vaughan, Novelist
  • Dame Janet Vaughan, Physician
  • John Vaughan, Artist
  • Viscount David Vaughan,
  • Charles John Vaughan (1816-1897), English clergyman
  • Herbert Alfred Vaughan (1832-1903), English Roman Catholic prelate
  • Keith Vaughan (1912-1977), English artist


Tell Me More About Family Crests


Family Crests: the Heraldic Artist


We have researched the Vaughan family crest in the most recognized sources. Before an artist or craftsman can render a family crest, it must exist. In other words the crest must have been designed and recorded by the heralds from time immemorial.

Heraldic designs matriculated by the lay-artist in many cases becomes uninspired, meretricious and even ugly...

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Family Crests: Timeline


Many of the symbols adopted into armory have been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians, but heraldry itself did not begin until the 11th century. In continental Europe, the most ancient recorded family crest was discovered upon the monumental effigy of a Count of Wasserburg in the church of St. Emeran, at Ratisobon, Germany...

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Family Crests: Elements


In the Vaughan coat of arms as in all coat of arms the crest is only one element of the full armorial achievement. Again the Family Crest is just part of the story of Coats of Arms or Heraldry. Heraldry is defined as the hereditary art or science of blazoning, the description is appropriate technical terms of Coats-of-Arms and other heraldic and armorial insignia, and is of very ancient origin...

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Family Crests and Genealogy: how they relate


We encourage you to study the Vaughan genealogy to find out if you descend from someone who bore a particular family crest. Anyone making a study of heraldry usually becomes interested in Genealogy or seeking legal claim to a particular family crest. No families, not even the royal houses, can make sound claim to the right to bear arms unless a proven connection is established through attested Genealogical records...

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Vaughan Family Crest Products


Anniversary products for the name Vaughan.
Apparel for the Vaughan family crest.
Armorial histories for the name Vaughan.
Ceramics featuring the Vaughan family crest.
Coat of Arms for the name Vaughan.
Downloads featuring the Vaughan family crest.
Family Crest for the name Vaughan.
Family Tree for the Vaughan family crest.
Hand Painted Plaques proudly displaying the Vaughan coat of arms.
Keychains emphasing the Vaughan family crest.
Mouse pads revealing the Vaughan family crest.
New Products showing the Vaughan family crest.
Packages proudly displaying the Vaughan coat of arms.
Plaques and Frames for the Vaughan family crest.
Surname Histories for the name Vaughan.
Symbolism with the coat of arms for the name Vaughan.
Travel Mugs featuring the Vaughan family crest.
Popular Products
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The Vaughan Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Vaughan Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.

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