| Gender | 👩 Girl |
| Pronunciation | 📣 \v(a)-nessa, van(es)-sa\ |
| Number in U.S | 👶 256,000 |
| Rate in 2021 | 479 |
| Numerology | 🔢 9 |
| Name origin | 🌍 Mexican |
This name was invited by the Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift for Esther Vanhomrigh, whom Swift met in ۱۷۰۸ and whom he tutored.
This name was created by talking “ Van “ from Vanhomrigh’s last name and adding “ Essa “, a pet form of Esther. The name “ Vanessa “ means “ coined from Esther Vanhmrigh. Also, this name has shortened forms, such as “ Vany “, “ Ness “, “ Nessa “, “ Vanny “, “ Vaness “ and “ Van “. Also the related names can be “ Vanesa “, “Vanessa “, “ Wanesa “ and “ Vanasia “.
The popularity of the name Vanessa
The name “ Vanessa “ is unpopular in South Dakota based on research by American resources in the year ۱۹۹۵. For example, imagine that ۷ babies were named “ Vanessa “ in South Dakota in the year ۱۹۹۵.
A total of ۵۴۱۹ babies also bear the same first name during that year in the United States of America. From the year ۱۸۸۰ up to the year ۲۰۱۸, the highest recorded use of this name was in ۱۹۸۵ with a total of ۷۵۶۶ babies.
Also the name “ Vanessa “ was recorded ۲۵۴۹۰۸ times in the SSA public database since ۱۸۸۰ up to ۲۰۱۸. This name first appeared in the hear ۱۹۰۰ and ۶ newborn babies were named “ Vanessa “. The name “ Vanessa “ became a popular name in the hear ۱۹۷۷ with a rank of ۹۰ nationwide and was registered ۳۲۱۰ times as a baby name.
The personality of the name Vanessa
V is for valiant, the way you approach life
A is for acquaintance the many friends you know
N is for name, a pleasant one indeed
E is for elate, you make others happy
S is for a smile, it gives you the face value
S is for sensational, you know how to make a splash
A is for affirming, the certainty of knowledge
Your name can be your heart’s desire, destiny, and personality. The name “ Vanessa “ is a name that hints you are a humanitarian and generous individual. Turning our world to be a better place to live fascinates you. Use your creative and artistic talents to promote a cause.
Knowledge is your heart’s desire and you are also an idealistic analyzer and study things in depth. Solving mental or physical puzzles is natural to you. You indulge in search and prefer scientific facts. You might find it difficult to talk to or trust other people.
Famous people named Vanessa
Vanessa Williams, Vanessa Paradis, Vanessa Redgrave, and Vanessa Marano
Similar names to the name Vanessa
Victory, Vajra, Van
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I have an 18 month old daugther named Vanessa...I have always loved this name...its simple and exotic..when I hear the name I always think of a beautiful girl...(have yet to meet an ugly Vanessa...lol)
HI'mY NAME IS VANESSA AND I'm PROUD OF HAVING SUCH A FAMOUS NAME AND I'm PROUD OF NAME
Vanessa is a gorgeous name. However, I have not yet met the first Vanessa that has not had a terrible part of her life. From near death experiences to child abuse etc. but us Vanessaıs have pure and beautiful hearts under that hard to brake armor.
We were going to name our daughter Katelynn until we heard everybody else using that name. We decided on Vanessa because it's not a common name and there is no one in our family with this name.
My baby age is 6 weeks. I have planned to call my baby name "VANESSA". - S. RAJA
My name is Vanessa i don't really like my name but the fact that it means butterfly and knowing the real meaning of it i began to like my name because i like butterflies. My parents call me different ways like vane and vanesita i don't know why but anyways. i Love my name and if your name is vanessa be proud of what it means.
i am 18 and i have only ever met about 10 people with the'same name. i am always spelling it though. people often get confused. it is normally spelt incorrectly as venessa. i love my name. its unique but not too out there. suits me perfectly. i am referred to as 'ness' by my family and friends. i think the nickname is gentle but strong at the'same time.
I am 39 and also haven't met too many other Vanessa's in my life. I think V-A-N-E-S-S-A is the only way It'should be spelled. I like my namte, but I often feel It's a bit "dramatic" for my personality. My nickname from family and very close friends is also "Ness". Funny how it only sounds right coming from certain people.
I am a Vanessa and love the name, I beli've Vanessa's are usually beautiful, confident and most importantly hold a great intellect. I was always taught that my name meant beautiful butterfly. I beli've that the meaning of the name best fits me as I am a free spirit.....I LOVE BEING VANESSA
its my name and i love it but because of that name i am expected to be a girly girl but i am a total opposite of that. i am pure tomboy... instead of gettin a dirtbike for chrI'mas i get stuff like dresses and bows... ugh
my names vanessa and iluv my name people call me nessa or ness vanessa means butterfly
MY NAME IS VANESSA AND I LOVE IT WITH ALL MY HEART.
My name is Venessa. Growing up, my nicknames were Nessie, Venessa or Nesscafe. I have grown to love my name and the original way mine is spelled.
Vanessa Hudgens has a nick name. Her nick name's: Anne
I'm 18 and my name is Vanessa and I know a total of 3 people with the'same name. I love my name because its unique and not many people hear it that often. Unlike majority of my friends with names like Katelyn, Ashley,or Samantha, you dont hear Vanessa often, so people tend to remember me easily. Everyone spells it wrong though! I get Vannesa, Vennessa, or something like that, It's weird. Since it means butterfly, it inspired me to get my first tattoo. I get nicknames like Nessa, Nessa Bessa, Van, Nes, Lock-NESS monster, etc.I would never change my name!! I LOVE IT!
Hello, my name is Simone and I named my daughter Anessa. Like Vanessa but without the V. I loved the name, but didn't want it to be too common so I altered it. Still carries the'same meaning and history which is great because we both LOVE butterflies and the idea that it came from love is perfect - John Swift for his lover Esther Vanhomrigh. She's four and I just had a butterfly tatted on my left shoulder. She won't understand it now, but when she gets older it'll have meaning :-)
I like my name alot, my dad picked it i am pretty sure. It means 'butterfly'. I always had the dorkiest nicknames when i was growing up like "ness", "nessa","nessy" and my moms favourite "nessaroo". how horrible it was to have my friends hear her call me that! but hey i still love my name!!
My name is Vanessa, and I love it! i've meet many Vanessa's and I guess you can say that it has been used a lot, but It's because it is a fantastic name!
i like Vanessa, i tink It'smells really nice. lots of love. Horseflaps
I love my name (Aprilwas my parents' second choice - I can't even imagine!). Vanessa suits my personality, and has served me well professionally. I receive many compliments, but people do love making up nicknames for me: V, Ven'tian Blind, Van Gogh, Nessie, Vanessa the Undressa (absurd). I have only met 3 other Vanessas in my lifetime, which is amazing since i've lived on both coasts. Two of these women have been brunette, like me.
I'm 47 years old and I have met several people named Vanessa. There are two other ladies at my church named Vanessa. My family and friends call me Nessa, V, and Van. I think the name Vanessa is beautiful and strong.
i've always loved my name. Never realized how popular it was--I don't run across many other Vanessas
Please tell me when is the nameday in Breat Britain, I know that in US it is 21st December, is ir same in all 52 states ? And main question is - is It'same also in BrIt'sh callendar ? Thanks in advance.
My names Vanessa and i love it and It'suits me so im happy ive been named that. I have lots of nicknames like ness, nessa, vannie, van and nessie but the most common one is nessa. :D
well my name is "vanesa," and yes, its only spelt with one "S" the bus driver gets my name mixed up with Melissa, but I don't care that much. my friends call me Nessie, Nessa and Nes.
hey my names vaenssa and so is my two friend..wahoo..
my name is vanessa and i love it. i get called vaness and nessy a lot. almost everyone i know spells it wrong the first time. i have only met a couple of other people with the name vanessa
my name is vanessa and im 20 everybody comments on my name they love it. its unique and very pretty, they use ness and nessa a lot also.
my mom named me vanessa b/c she liked vanessa williams, I LOVE MY NAME
my name is vanessa....I'm not ecstatic about it....but it looks good on paper
HI'my name is Vnaessa H. no the'sininger i wish l0lbut yeah ALOTE of people miss spell my name ALOTE like one time someone spelled it like vinnesa what the hell its vanessa l0l bt yea hit me up lata vanessa aka estrellita
everybody spells my name wrong. they either'spell it venessa, vannessa or vanesa. its not tht hard. i know about 4 other people that have the'same name as me and i have beyond so many nicknames but the most common is v or nessa.
I love this name... I have only ever met one girl named Vanessa... and she is quite a bit older.. I would definetly think about using it for my daughter.
I LOVE my name. Its super'sexy, fun, and not that common. Its uber girly, and super appealing to men. Like myself. I love that it means butterfly, how much more girlier can you get, seriously. We Vanessas rule. Were totally fetch.
i kinda like my name. i wish i was named ness, cuz im a major tom boy and Vanessa means butterfly. "Yuck" ask anyone that is not me.... but it is a pretty kul name cuz u can have a lot of cick names
im vanessa and i am just cool :) coolerrrr than anyonee elsseeee !
My name is Vanessa!!! I love my name! It is elegant and sweet and fierce all at once. I have a bunch of nicknames.....Vanie, Van Van, Nessie, Nessa, Nes, Nessa Lou, Nester, etc!
I LOVE my name. I know a lot of people say it means butterfly, but all the baby name books I have read say it was a name made up by Jonathan Swift for a character in one of his books. My mom first heard the name when her friend's sister was born and fell in love with the way the name melodically rolled of the tongue. About seven years later'she gave the name to me. Besides the classy sound of the name, another perk is all the nicknames I get. A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but the name Vanessa makes a girl extra tantalizing. - Vanessa Clare
A girl I know is named Vanessa. The name is so amazing, I think It's the'second best name ever for a girl!
I love my name but a lot of people get it mixed up. People think say Jennifer, or Melissa? I dont know why. Someone even'thought I said Evanescence. Maybe I just said Vanessa wierd? haaha but anyway I love it and i feel different and exotic with it. like someone said ealier all the beautiful and bad girls are named vanessa. and for the record vanessa does not mean butterfly. a genus of butterfly was named after the name vanessa. someone made up the name vanessa for a lady named esther van- something. I am named after my grandmother whose name is esther. I also love my nick name which is sasa, or just sa. its very unique and love to tell people my name is sa. haha
ilove my name im the only one in my school whith my name
I LOVE THE NAME VANESSA HEY THATS MY NAME .
all vanessas in the world suck they all love the'selves
My given name is Vanessa and I never liked it. I grew up with 3 other Vanessa's in my class alone and a sister named Melissa which gives me no end of grief. i've met people who call me Melissa even when'there has been no other Melissa in the'same room. With the name came the expectations of a "pretty girl who likes dresses and cute things." Which I am not, at all. And the whole "Nessie" nickname doesn't help one's self-esteem when all it makes you think of is a gigantic monster in a lake. I suggest not naming your child this. I'm in support of gender neutral names.
Its my name and i like it. i love my nickname "Ness"/"Nessie/y" and its something that its not that popular in my generation. the only peeve is that a lot of people tend to spell it "venessa" or missing 1 S. but i still like my name
my names vanessa and i absolutely love it. i usually go by ness in everyday life and when people hear that vanessa is my real name, everyone gets excited lol. my mum and my best friends ryan and kia call me nessa. i love all my names! vanessa is the best name in the world!!!
OMG VANESSA ROCKS THATS MY name'sO OF COURSE ITS the BEST NAEM EVER omg im a scorpio which makes me sexy ohh yeah i've been called vava vanny van vince nessa lock-nessa omg so many diff ones I LIKE MY FULL NAME ALL 3 SYLIBLES va-nes-sa who ever dont like this name WELL UR OUT NUMBERED AND plus UR OPPION WAS NOT ASKED AND WILL NOT b APPRECIATED HAIL 2 ALL VANESSA
I first heard the name Vanessa when I was 12 years old. I thought it was the most beautiful name and said someday when my daughter is born I will name her Vanessa. Well 20 years later I got my Vanessa. She is amazing!!
HI'my name is Vanessa and many people call me vany i love my name i think its really sexy and hot.... Were the Best :)
Hi. My name is Vanessa and I think its the most awesomest name ever!!! I love my name bc its kinda unique and plus its pretty. Nicknames that I have are vane, vannie,vivi, ness, nessa, van, and mostly known as v. Or the name I like to use LadyNess lol -Vanessa Marie.
I like my name a lot. As othe's have noted (at least at this time), It's a pretty name that's slightly unusual without being too unusual. There are some inter'sting women who have/had this name: Vanessa Redgrave, Vanessa Paradis, Virgina Woolf's sister, Vanessa Bell... When people forget my name or misunderstand it, they usually call me "Melissa" or "Alyssa" instead. Vanessa is much better than eitherıIt's got more power to it. A feminine, sexy, but also strong name. I like that Jonathan Swift "i'vented" this name.
It's my name, too (born in '80s). People ALWAYS misspell it, though, all those i've met spell it "Vanessa." My best friends call me "Ness" or "Nessa" though I feel weird introducing myself with the nickname. There was always only 1 other girl with it in my graduating classes; I like how unique It's been. The name will probably gain new popularity now, though, with all the up and coming actors...
MY name is Vanessa, and i know alot of people that have that name are very pretty!!! Vanessa means "PRETTY" and so are butterflies!
I'm also calle Vanesa, and I'm from Spain. My mother named after Vanesa Redgrave. The only thing I don't like about my name is that there is too many of us in Spain.
my name is Vanessa and It's great to knowthat there's a lot of other people who have the'same name as me. Vanessa means butterflies and butterflies are pretty.Vanessa is an goddess name in Greek, and we are gifted with many things. I love my name very much
My name is Vanessia, but it is pronounced Vanessa. I love the name but people saying it wrong and spelling it wrong does drive me crazy.
I'm also named after Vanessa Redgrave. How similar all these Vanessa stories are. I'm especially surprised at the mention of Vany as a nickname--I'm called Vany (pronounced Vahnee), by a select few close family members and friends. I grew up when it was still pretty unusual to be named Vanessa (at least in the U.S.) and felt the power of singularity each morning at roll call, while names like Jennifer, Tracey and Laura were always repeated at least once. This lot tended to play up the first letter of their last name, like "NO-*I'm* Jennifer *F*!" Placing strong emphasis on the "F." They would later add to a future of monogramophilia, as that extra initial came to be of more use to them than its weaker predecessor. Somehow in childhood, having the'same name'sort of lessened your power. The'shyer girls loved it for that very reason. They could recede into Jenniferdom; a packaged lot who seemed to share a strand of gen'tic code--as if by sharing a name, they also on some level shared that certain blonde one's braininess at math and the other taller one's awkward smile or bad form on the monkey bars. We, the'singular names of homeroom who stood apart, name by name, couldn't help averaging out one Laura's power with the other Laura's weakness. On some level, we confused name with soul at this age. I'd watch as these girls experienced the first shock of that gravitational shift--being forced out of their universe like a wayward meteor, a universe in which they had up until then reigned solo. They'd always blush and furtively glance back at one another. By the end of roll call, I'd breathe a sigh of relief, thanking my loving but eccentric parents under my breath; for once their eccentricity was working in my favor. Then one summer I attended a BrIt'sh school in Spain, and realized that the Brits had already long since colonized my name (it is Jonathan Swift, after all, who they claim i'vented the name. Not after all the *ancient* Greek word for Butterfly? Hmm.) In this BrIt'sh school my name was hardly unique, and this sunk in every morning as I hung up my coat beside another Vanessa whose last name also started with the'same letter as mine. And now, well now It's become quite common to find myself a third or fourth Vanessa in a dentist's waiting room, or in a graduate seminar, or even at a restaurant as they call out names under reservations. And online...well... Here we all are.
My name is Vanessa and I love it too!! I would'nt chang it for any other name!!
well, my name is yadira and were i live i don't know any body with this name and many people do not know how to pronouce it right. I just know one person that have this name and the person is Yadira Carrillo a artist in Mexico. Thank you to let me share with you the experience of have this name.An you know what I LOVE IT!!!
i've always loved this name. I love the way It'sounds and that It's so easy to pronounce even for my my three year old Vanessa. I love saying her name. I think the name fits her personality and It'sounds so sweet as well as classy and elegant for when she's all grown up :)
My name is Vanessa and I love my name. I agree with one of the other Vanessa's that posted. We are usually gifted in the arts. I sing, dance, and do pretty well with art. Vanessa is such a pretty name. Very sweet and charming. :-)
i love the name vanessa (especially vanessa hudgens!)my name is not vanessa, It's valerie. But if i could change my name i would change it to VANESSA!!! zanessa lives! (zac+ vanessa= zanessa)
when i was little kids would call me book and chapter and all that good stuff. and now i like it no one makes fun of it and its not as popular as alex oe elizabeth so im pretty happy with it :)
I love the name Vanessa. I want to name my first daughter Vanessa. For all you Vanessa's out there, it doesn't just mean "butterfly," Vanessa is a genus of butterflies.
my name is vanessa and i love it from the very first time i understand that its my name.i dont know how to explain but everytime I'meet someone who have the'same name as i am i have a different feeling towards that person,as if we were connected in some way..well..i dont know but thats how i feel..
My name is Vanessa and I LOVE the name, I wouldn't want any other name. I only like It'spelled with an A, it is incorrect when spelled with an E, as in VE. I love how everyone says my full name as I do not like shortened names. I think it is one of the best names out there, there is also always something special about meeting another Vanessa, it is like you have a small bond. PLEASE do not perpetuate ignorance and mispellings by spelling it any other way than the proper way, VANESSA!!!
I am considering this pretty name for our future daughter, but I am shocked by the number of comments saying that it is so common. I wouldn't have thought so.
My name is Vanessa and I like it very much, but aparently, othe's don't, because in my language (Portuguese) there's a very popular (but old!) joke with the name Vanessa and so I hear it all the time. I think people are just jealous!!
Vanessa is a beautiful Name! When I was younger I was often referred to as butterfly - there is a species of butterfly called Vanessa. Some nicknames - Nessie, Ness, Nessa, Ves, Vessie.
I love the name "Vanessa" it is my grandma's name, and I am hoping to name my first girl Vanessa.
i actually quite like this name is very stylish. i love it a bit now. its very nice. but about half the reason i like it is because one of my role models is vanessa hudgens! lol
Well I named my daughter Lindsey and everyone does spell it wrong or you can't find anything with It'spelt Lindsey It's always with an "A" But still I love it. TA in TX
It's an awesome name. But there are many other names out there that are awesome too.
i was born in 2002.. and i have the'same problem with people spelling my name wrong. the worst is.. venessa
Aha, there you are. I'myself even pronounce it wrongly. I am a vanessa, and the name was given by a foreigner who taught me English. But, since then i've seldom used the name. Once a colleague called me by this name as "v-er-n-ee-s-er' (in a real sweet voice), then i piked it up. Only days ago, American friend said It'should be pronounced as it is: v-er-n-e-s-er. BTW, I am happy about this name, since told that it is a butterfly (beautiful and lovely creature) and it may mean what Venus means...
I was also named after the actress Vanessa Redgrave! I love my name! Its unique and really sexy!
I used to hate my name but now its the exact opposite. I don't mind at all now that people pronounce and spell it wrong(they still do, especially in my country). In my current year at school, I'm the only one with the name Vanessa, but its not a very rare name'since i've got 2 other friends who have the'same name, although not from the'same school that is. Overall, I'm glad my parents gave me this name and I laugh at the memories of actually hating it. How ridiculous. :D
Perfect for a greek girl who loves butterflies. :)
My name is Vanessa. People, to my suprise, often mispell what I consider a simple name. Most people I'meet like my name, they think is unique.
my friend she's part spanish so her mom named her vanesa meaning vanessa in spanish her middle is marie anyto say about that!
My name is vanesssa, people call me vaness for short which i love, i adore the name i feel and admire the beauty which is captulated within it
I love the name Vanessa. It reminds me of Vanessa Hudgens lol.shes my fave. this name is so beautiful and has a beautiful meaning. my fave names r vanessa and giselle.
My name is Vanessa becuase my mom thought it would be beautiful!! I love my name and think its the best out there!
My nam is Vanessa and I love my name. I can honestly say that I have met many people with the'same name but I can guarantee that there is not one Vanessa that has the'same personality. People often'tend to mis-spell my name and they write it Vanesa or Vannesa or Vannessa, but I always correct them. In my opinion, I think that the name Vanessa is a beautiful name and I love the'sound of it. I also enjoy meeting people with the'same name as me because It's so amazing how you can find so many different people with your same name. And again, I love the name Vanessa.
I didn't like this name as a teenager but its beginning to grow on me.. Now in my early 30's, I'm even considering the name for my daughter! It's crazy how things change the older you get. My opinion: Vanessa is beautiful, elegant and easy to pronounce :-)
My name is Vanessa and I love my name hardly anyone ever'spells it wrong. I love it because there are only a hand full of people I know that'share my name. You pronounce it va-NESS-ah. My nicknames are van, vaness, vezna, ness, or v. Did you know it means butterfly in Greek what a beautiful name i love it and i am so glad my parents named me this <3:)
hey ya'll my name is VANESSA and i love It'so much because everybody spells It'so wrong i can't beli've that people don't know how to spell it its the 21 st century omg can u imagine how fab it is to have this name well yes u can imagine WE'RE ALL CALLED VANESSA lol (forgive my enthusiasm) well have a great all of u vanessa's and rock your self to the beautI'mess of ur life and NAME
I don't feel this name is over used. My husband and I picked it for our daughter because we didn't know anyone else named Vanessa.
hI'my name is Vanessa,10 I was born 3/31/98 my aunt named me "Vanessa" because that name is cute.
a lot of people spell it wrong like this: vannessa or vanesa or vannesa... Other than that I like it.. Only downside is that I have no cute nickname
Like the poster that commented here in dec. 29th, growing up it was annoying because nobody else had that name. I didn't appreciate it to the fullest. I love it now though and I wouldn't change it for the world. Nicknames though... they call me V, Van, Vane, Vani (Vanny) < 2 which i hate, Ness, Nessie, Nessa. And it has been'through the past, oh i don't know 6 years or so that i've come across many people with the'same name and when I do meet somebody else with that name It's like some sort of recognition. It's great!
My grandmother called me messy nessie when I was growing up, because I was a klutz of a child. I hated my name at first I wanted to be Rebecca. Now I have grown to love it. I was born in 1988.
i absolutely adooore this name. its beautiful, its graceful, and i love it! ever heard of Vanessa Hudgens? a great singer!
I named my daughter Vanessa and looked everywhere for a nickname I liked. Wasn't crazy about Nessa or Nessie. I came up with Nea. (like Mia with but with an N)If you look at the last 5 letters of Vanessa and take out the s's you're left with Nea. Cute and simple.
Vanessa is such an elegant, lady like name. We named our daughter Vanessa and for me there wasn't even a second choice that I liked . I knew she was going to be "Vanessa" and I could"t imagine calling her anything else.
My Name is Vanessa too..And I know that i am super'sexy & hot as hell. So haters of Vanessa's Name better back off.!!!hahah;)
My name is Vanessa and I love it. I have the'same problem with people spelling it wrong, though.
I love my name. It is popular but not around where I live. I like being the only Vanessa at my school. Love ~Vanessa Faye~
My grandaughter's name is Vanessa.. she's beautiful.
pretty name! love the name VANESSA! It'sounds so sexy!
Hello! kedaeee inter'sting kedaeee site! I'm really like it! Very, very kedaeee good!
i think this name is amazing
Please reinstate VANESSA COMMENT FROM 12-30-2017 OR 12-31-05 > This was deleted in error.
this is my name to and i dont think i could be named anything else
My name is also Vanessa, and I find the name very appealing and exotic. I am only 12 years old, but I am old enough to know how I feel about my name. My family and friends always call me 'Vannie', 'Nessa', 'Nessa-Wessa', 'Baby V', or sometimes even 'Van'. I am proud of my name and I love to tell people what it is, because then'they're like "Oooh, what a pretty name!" I also love my name because it is the name of my favorite actress, Vanessa Hudgens. She is beautiful and elegant, just like the name. My name makes me feel beautiful and intelligent. Vanessa...mm, just saying it..sounds so exotic. :) Signed, Vanessa Camille Bell
My name is Vanessa.......and I'm not ecstatic about it... but it looks nice on paper....
What a beautiful name! I love saying it, It's such a strong name.
my name is vanessa i really love it my mom givi it to me because she love the'singer vanessa paradis