Vanessa
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Butterfly
Background: The name Vanessa originates from the Latin word 'vanessa,' which refers to a large group of butterflies. This term was popularized in the 18th century by the author Jonathan Swift, who created the name for a character in his poetry. The Greek connection also derives from the combination of elements relating to butterflies.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#156
Total births
261,777
Most popular decade
1980s
(198,552 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-163 ranks)
Years in Top 100
33
First recorded year
1900
Gender usage
0.4% male
99.6% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1954
- First year births
- 9
- First year rank
- #2,743
- Peak year
- 1988
- Peak year births
- 72
- Peak rank
- #1,189
- Most recent year
- 2014
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #12,106
Female
- First year
- 1900
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #1,723
- Peak year
- 1985
- Peak year births
- 7,564
- Peak rank
- #42
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 933
- Recent rank
- #334
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).