Find out how popular the first name Vashon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vashon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Vashon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Vashon being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Vashon.

The history of the first name Vashon

The given name Vashon has its origins in the Native American Salishan language family. It was originally a place name referring to the Vashon Island located in Puget Sound, Washington State. The name is derived from the Salishan word "vahshawn" meaning "prairies" or "open areas amidst the forest".

Vashon Island was named by the British explorer George Vancouver in 1792 after his friend James Vashon, a Royal Navy officer. This marked one of the earliest recorded uses of the name Vashon in the English language.

In the late 18th century, the name gained some popularity among European settlers in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, likely due to its Native American origins and association with the picturesque Vashon Island.

One of the earliest known individuals with the first name Vashon was Vashon Ely (1787-1854), an American farmer and surveyor who lived in Ohio. He was among the first settlers in the area and played a role in the early development of the state.

Another notable historical figure with the name was Vashon Haywood (1822-1898), an African American businessman and abolitionist from Tennessee. He was a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement and later became a successful entrepreneur.

In the 19th century, the name Vashon also gained some popularity in France, possibly influenced by the French presence in the Pacific Northwest region during that time. One example is Vashon Le Camus (1828-1901), a French painter and sculptor known for his works depicting rural life.

The name Vashon appeared in several historical records and documents from the late 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region and parts of the United States with Native American influences.

Another individual with the name was Vashon Vaught (1892-1965), an American soldier who served in World War I and received the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in combat.

While the name Vashon has its roots in Native American culture, it has been adopted and used by individuals from various backgrounds throughout history, particularly in areas with connections to the Pacific Northwest region and its indigenous populations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Vashon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Vashon, please contact us.

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