Surname Vaux - Meaning and Origin

Vaux: What does the surname Vaux mean?

The last name Vaux is of French origin and directly translates to "valley" in English. It was often given as a topographic name for someone who lived in a valley. The name is primarily linked to locations in Normandy, France. Throughout history, the Vaux family held a family seat in this region as esteemed members of the aristocracy. It could also possibly mean 'from the château', with Vaux being a common place name in France, usually denoting a local castle or manor. Several variations of this surname exist due to regional differences and the evolution of language over time, including DeVaux, DeVau, De Vaux, and Veaux, among others. The surname was likely first used during the early Middle Ages, following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Members of the Vaux family later migrated to England, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, spreading the surname. Today, it is relatively common in countries such as France, England, Scotland, United States, and Canada.

Vaux: Where does the name Vaux come from?

The last name Vaux is a French-Norman name, originating in the town of Vexin in Normandy. Historically, the Vaux family was spread throughout France, particularly in the region of Champagne, Picardy, and Basse Normandie. Records of the Vaux family can be traced back to the early 12th century.

Today, the surname Vaux can be found mostly in France, Canada, and the United States. In France, the Vaux family can be found primarily in the northern regions such as Paris and Lyon. The surname also appears in Canada, with a large concentration in the province of Quebec. It is here that the modern pronunciation of the name, "Voh", is most commonly heard.

In the United States, the surname is most concentrated in the New England area, particularly in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This is due to the fact that many of the original Vaux settlers came to the New World in the 17th century from France and Canada. The last name is also quite popular in Texas, Louisiana, and California.

Across all nations, the Vaux family is largely considered to be a French-Norman noble house. Today, members of the Vaux family are proud of their Normandy heritage and continue to represent their ancestral line with honor.

Variations of the surname Vaux

The surname Vaux is a locational name derived from the Old French "vallis" meaning valley or vale. It is found in parts of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin are:

Vallis, Valles, Valle, Vallée, Valli, Vaulx, Vaulxe, Vauxe, Vaux, Valk, Valke, and Vaulk.

In England, variants of the surname have been found as far back as 1152. The name is predominantly found in the Scottish lowlands and Northern England in counties such as Durham, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire.

In Scotland, due to the changes in language to Scots-English, variants of the name now include ‘Vauk’ ‘Valk’ or ‘Valke’.

Vaux has also been documented in France in the early to mid-19th century, and is still found in many regions of Brittany and Normandy.

In Ireland the name has been changed to ‘Vallis’ or ‘Valles’ and is found in counties such as Monaghan, Cavan and Sligo.

Overall, the surnames Vaux, Vallis, Valles, Valle, Vallée, Valli, Vaulx, Vaulxe, Vauxe, Valk, Valke, and Vaulk, all originate from the same source. It has been found in many different regions, as well as numerous spelling variants.

Famous people with the name Vaux

• Charles Henry Vaux: Charles Vaux was an American landscape architect. He is best remembered for his collaboration on the design of Central Park in New York City and for the creation of the American suburbs.
• Harry Vaux: Harry Vaux was the CEO of Pittsburgh's Anchor/Hocking Corporation, and a major philanthropist. He and his wife provided many gifts to local colleges and universities, as well as supporting local charities and hospitals.
• Robert Vaux: Robert Vaux was a lawyer and statesman in the early 19th century. He was an outspoken opponent of the slave trade and advocated for the abolition of slavery.
• Lewis Vaux: Lewis Vaux was an American engineer and entrepreneur. He is credited with the invention of the modern paperbag and helped put the first inter-city freight railway in the United States.
• William Vaux: William Vaux was an English theologian and philosopher. He is best remembered for his works on Christianity, philosophy, and ethics.
• Philip Vaux: Philip Vaux was an English horticulturalist. He is credited with introducing several new varieties of plants to the United Kingdom, as well as a variety of new methods of breeding and gardening.
• Helen Vaux: Helen Vaux was a British actress best known for her roles in the Silent Era. She is remembered for her roles in classic films such as The Battle of the Somme and La Tosca.
• Almeric Vaux: Almeric Vaux was an English lawyer, politician, and banker in the later 18th century. He was a staunch supporter of King George III and an advocate of the Royal Navy.
• Brian Vaux: Brian Vaux was a British composer, arranger, and producer. He is best remembered for his work with the progressive rock band Yes.
• Delano Vaux: Delano Vaux was an American politician who served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania from 1833-1835. He is also remembered for his work as a vocal opponent of American slavery.

Other surnames

VaubanVaubelVaudinVaudreuïlVaughalterVaughanVaughan.VaughenVaughnVauhkonenVaultonburgVaunVaunoisVaupelVausVauth