Last Name Vaux

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaux

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaux

The surname Vaux originates from France, specifically the regions of Picardy and Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "vau," which means "valley" or "ditch." This name was often given to people who lived near or in a valley or ditch, or it could have been a topographical name for someone who resided by a watercourse. The surname Vaux first appeared in the Roll of Battle Abbey in 1066 and the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating that it is one of the oldest French names. In England, it is pronounced as "vo" or "voh." Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling errors, migratory influences, and changes in phonetic interpretations, including Vauxhall, Vauban, and Vauce.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaux

The surname Vaux is primarily found in France and England, with significant concentrations in both countries. In France, it originates from the region of Picardy, particularly around the town of Vaux-sur-Somme, which served as the original seat for the medieval Lords of Vaux. Over time, families bearing this name migrated to other parts of France, including Normandy and Brittany. In England, the surname is thought to have been brought over by Norman conquerors after the 1066 invasion, with notable branches establishing themselves in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name has also spread globally due to diaspora from these countries, particularly to North America, where it can be found in significant numbers in Canada and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaux

The surname Vaux has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and time periods. Some common variations include Vaas, Vass, Vas, Vaus, and Vawse. These variations may arise from slight changes in pronunciation or spelling errors over time. Other less common variants might include De Vaux, Le Vaux, Les Vaux, and Vaix. In French-speaking regions, the name may be transliterated as De Vauce, Des Vaux, and Le Vauche among others. Additionally, the name may have different pronunciations depending on the country or region, such as /vɔks/ in British English and /voh/ in American English. These variations highlight the historical and cultural diversity of the Vaux surname across different parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Vaux

The Vaux family has produced notable figures in various fields throughout history. One of the most prominent is Sir Hugh Cortex Vaux, a British diplomat and politician who served as the Ambassador to France from 1974 to 1978. In the United States, John Vaux was a renowned botanist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He made significant contributions to the understanding of plant ecology and evolution. Additionally, in the realm of arts, Charles Vaux was an English architect and archaeologist known for his work on medieval churches and as a founding member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Lastly, Emily Vaux, also known as Emily Sarah Vaux-Malaclyne, was a British writer and poet who published under the pseudonym Malaclyne. Her works often reflected her interest in spirituality and nature. These individuals highlight the diverse achievements of those bearing the surname Vaux.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaux

The Vaux surname is of Norman origin and is believed to have derived from various places in Normandy, France, such as Vauville, Vaux-sur-Aure, and Vaux-de-Cernay. The family's history dates back to the Conquest of England in 1066 when Roger de Montgomery, a prominent Norman lord, brought over several families to help him establish his lands in England. Among them were the Vaux family, represented by Hugo de Vaus who held lands in Shropshire and Staffordshire. The name later spread throughout England and Scotland, with notable bearers including John de Vaux, Justiciar of Ireland in the 13th century, and Alexander Vaus, a Scottish poet in the 16th century. The surname has also been found in America since colonial times, with many early settlers originating from England and France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vaux"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025