Vanessa
Vanessa first appears in US records in 1900. It peaked in 1985, when 7,563 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 813.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Vanessa popular?
Declining Vanessa is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 6,401 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 19,600 | |
| 2000s | 43,229 | |
| 1990s | 57,920 | |
| 1980s | 65,731 | |
| 1970s | 28,077 | |
| 1960s | 20,983 | |
| 1950s | 19,170 | |
| 1940s | 295 | |
| 1930s | 124 | |
| 1920s | 51 | |
| 1910s | 35 | |
| 1900s | 6 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Vanessa mean?
Vanessa was invented by the writer Jonathan Swift in the 18th century, coined for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh from parts of her name. It later became a genuine given name.
Nicknames for Vanessa
- Nessa
- Ness
- Vann
Variants & spellings
- Vanesa
- Venessa
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Vanessa a boy or a girl name?
Vanessa is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Vanessa a popular name right now?
Vanessa is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
How popular is the name Vanessa?
In 2025, Vanessa ranked #377 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Vanessa most popular?
Vanessa was most popular in 1985, when about 7,563 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Vanessa?
Common nicknames for Vanessa include Nessa, Ness, Vann.