#3352024 rank
1985peak year
260,779babies named Vanessa since 1880
▼ 24%5-year trend
Vanessa popularity over 145 years
⭐ Sweet spot — known but not everywhere · roughly undefined% girls / NaN% boys in 2024
What does Vanessa mean?
Invented by Jonathan Swift for Esther Vanhomrigh, blending elements of her name. Later applied to the genus of painted-lady butterflies, sealing its association.
OriginLiterary
Syllables3
Gendergirl
Styleclassic, mythic
Names like Vanessa
Same era, same vibe — if you like Vanessa, these usually land on the shortlist too.
Famous Vanessas
- Vanessa Redgrave, actress
Spellings & variants
Vanesa
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