Vanessa
Meaning of Vanessa
The name Vanessa is a timeless and elegant choice for a baby girl, pronounced as vuh-NESS-uh (/vəˈnɛsə/). This name has an intriguing origin, created by the Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift in the early 18th century. He coined it by blending the first syllables of his friend Esther Vanhomrigh's first and last names. Since then, Vanessa has grown in popularity and charm.
Over the decades, Vanessa has been consistently favored in the United States, peaking notably in the late 1980s when it ranked as high as 41st. Despite its fluctuating rank over recent years, it remains a beloved choice for many parents. The name evokes associations with beauty and grace, partly due to its connection with the butterfly genus Vanessa. Additionally, it has been popularized by famous figures such as actress Vanessa Redgrave and singer Vanessa Williams.
A versatile name with a rich history and enduring appeal, Vanessa continues to be a beautiful option for modern families seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughter.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as vuh-NESS-uh (/vəˈnɛsə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Vanessa
| Vanessa Anne Hudgens is an American actress and singer known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical film series and for releasing two studio albums with Hollywood Records. |
| Dame Vanessa Redgrave is an esteemed English actress with a career spanning over six decades, earning her prestigious accolades such as an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. |
| Vanessa Lee Carlton is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for her platinum-certified debut album "Be Not Nobody" and the hit single "A Thousand Miles," which earned three Grammy nominations. Despite minimal chart success, her album "Heroes & Thieves" received critical acclaim. |
| Vanessa Lynn Williams is a multi-talented American entertainer who made history as the first African-American woman to win the Miss America title in 1984, but resigned due to a controversy over nude photographs, and received a public apology 32 years later. |
| Vanessa Chantal Paradis is a French singer, model, and actress who gained fame at a young age with her hit single "Joe le taxi" and has received numerous awards for her work in both music and film. |
| Vanessa Nuala Kirby is a British actress known for her acclaimed performances in various stage plays. |
| Vanessa Marie Bryant is a Mexican-American businesswoman, philanthropist, and model, known for her charitable work and as the widow of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. |
| Vanessa Morgan Mziray is a Canadian actress known for her roles in Finding Carter, The Latest Buzz, My Babysitter's a Vampire, and as Toni Topaz in Riverdale. |
| Vanessa Bayer is an American actress, comedian, and writer known for her work on Saturday Night Live and various film appearances. |
| Vanessa Northington Gamble is a physician known for chairing the Tuskegee Syphilis Study Legacy Committee in 1996. |
| Vanessa Bradford Kerry is an American physician, public health expert, and founder of the non-profit Seed Global Health, who also serves as the Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health for the World Health Organization. |
| Vanessa Vivienne Lawrence is a British businessperson, geographer, and speaker known for her international work. |
| Vanessa Mai, born Vanessa Marija Else Ferber, is a German singer who gained fame as a member of the Schlager band Wolkenfrei before pursuing a successful solo career, choosing her stage name as a nod to her birth month. |
| Vanessa Kingori is the chief business officer at Condé Nast Britain and Vogue European business advisor, known for her work as British Vogue's Publishing Director and former publisher of British GQ. |
| Vanessa Quinones - Vanessa Contenay-Quinones is a London-based singer-songwriter from Paris, known for her work with the band Vanessa & The O's and her solo records in collaboration with UK duo Skeewiff, as well as her brief stint as Vanessa St. James working with Brian Higgins, Nick Coler, and Lou Reed. |
