The name Vanesa, pronounced as vuh-NEH-suh (/vəˈnɛsə/), is a beautiful and unique variation of the more commonly known name Vanessa. Originating from Greek, the name Vanessa was first coined by the Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift for his poem "Cadenus and Vanessa," derived from the initials of his friend Esther Vanhomrigh. Over time, Vanesa has emerged as a distinct variant, offering a slightly different yet equally charming option for parents seeking a classic yet uncommon name for their daughters.
In terms of popularity in the United States, Vanesa has seen fluctuating usage over the decades. Since its introduction in records in 1953 with only seven occurrences, it experienced gradual growth and peaked during the late 20th century. For example, it reached its highest rank in 1982 when it was ranked 82nd with 1,461 newborns named Vanesa. However, its popularity has declined since then, with recent years showing much lower occurrences—24 newborns were named Vanesa in 2023, ranking it at 5,233.
Despite its less frequent use today compared to past decades, Vanesa remains an elegant choice that carries literary charm and historical significance. It offers a fresh twist on a timeless name while still retaining an air of sophistication and grace.
Vanesa Martín Mata is a Spanish singer, poet, and songwriter known for her seven studio albums released since 2006. |
Vanesa Gottifredi is an Argentine chemist and biologist known for her research on tumor cell response to chemotherapy and her leadership at the Leloir Institute's Cell Cycle and Genomic Stability Laboratory. |
Vanesa Lorenzo is a model who has been featured in magazines like Vogue, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. |
Vanesa Furlanetto is a retired Argentine tennis player. |
Vanesa Krauth is an Argentine former tennis player. |