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 is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "vale" meaning valley. It is a habitational name for someone who lived in or near a valley. The Vaux family can trace their ancestry back to Normandy, France, where they held a family seat as lords of the lands of Vaux. The name spread to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and several branches of the Vaux family established themselves across the country. Over the centuries, the surname Vaux has evolved into various spellings such as de Vaux, Vawes, Vawse, and Vause. Today, descendants of the Vaux family can be found in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaux

The last name Vaux has a relatively limited geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname found in the United Kingdom. Specifically, the name is most prevalent in England, particularly in the northern regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. In addition to the UK, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with the last name Vaux in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, largely due to migration patterns from the UK. The name likely has French origins, as it derives from the Old French word "val" meaning valley or dale. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Vaux reflects its historical ties to specific regions in the UK, as well as its spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaux

Some variations and spellings of the last name Vaux include Vaus, Vose, Vawes, Vauxe, Vauce, and Vaughn. These variations may have originated from different regions or historical changes in spelling conventions. The name Vaux has a long and rich history, with documented instances dating back to medieval times in England. It is believed to have derived from various place names such as Vaux in France or Vauxhall in London. Over time, the spelling of the name may have evolved due to different dialects and pronunciations. Despite the variations in spelling, all these forms ultimately trace back to the same ancestral lineage, making them part of the diverse tapestry of the Vaux family name.

Famous people with the last name Vaux

One famous figure with the last name Vaux is Calvert Vaux. He was an English-American architect who played a significant role in shaping the landscape and architecture of Central Park in New York City. Alongside Frederick Law Olmsted, Vaux co-designed the iconic park, known for its picturesque vistas, meandering pathways, and diverse recreational spaces. Vaux's contributions to Central Park have cemented his legacy as a pioneer of landscape architecture in the United States. Another notable individual with the last name Vaux is Isabel Vaux Whiton, an American botanist and educator. Whiton made significant contributions to the field of botany and was an influential figure in promoting the study of plants and nature conservation. Her work has helped advance our understanding of plant biology and conservation efforts around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaux

The surname Vaux is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "val" meaning valley. The name was most likely originally used to describe someone who lived in or near a valley. The Vaux family is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, and eventually spread to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Vaux family has a long and storied history, with notable members including the Vaux lords of Harrowden and the Barons Vaux of Harrowden, a prominent English noble family. The Vaux name can also be found in Scotland, where it is thought to have been brought by Norman settlers. Today, individuals with the surname Vaux can be found around the world, with variations of the name such as Vauch and Vaud in different regions.