Vigor increases your hit points and Strength improves the damage you do with strength weapons. Attributes also give your characters increased stats, e.g. Attributes like Strength and Dexterity are represented by numerical values and determine what armors and weapons can be equipped, while attributes like Faith and Intelligence govern what spells can be attuned (excluding Pyromancies). When you level up in Dark Souls II you increase an attribute by one point. This page covers all of the Stats and Attributes that you'll be using in Dark Souls II.
There are 9 different Attributes in Dark Souls II, as well as several dozen secondary stats which will all contribute to your character's growth and effectiveness in various situations. As you progress and level up your character, you are given a chance to upgrade a primary Stat with one point. Stats and Attributes in Dark Souls II are important factors to remember when leveling up your character.