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Home › Baby Names Directory › Vanesa

Vanesa

♀ Girl

Pronounced və-NES-ah /vəˈnɛs.ɑ/High

Meaning: Single-s spelling of Vanessa — a name coined by Jonathan Swift (from Esther Vanhomrigh); later a butterfly genusMedium

In 30 seconds: A coined classic: Vanesa spells Vanessa — a Swift coinage (and a butterfly). Elegant, modern, and warm.
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Origin MediumEnglish, Latin
MeaningSingle-s spelling of Vanessa — a name coined by Jonathan Swift (from Esther Vanhomrigh); later a butterfly genus
U.S. rank (2024)#5410 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births24 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2002
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,510

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200219532024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Vanesa is a single-s spelling of Vanessa — a name invented by the writer Jonathan Swift in the early 1700s for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh (blending Van- from her surname with Essa, a pet form of Esther); later adopted as the scientific name for a genus of butterflies. An elegant, modern name across the Spanish-speaking world; the single-s styling personalizes it (said 'və-NES-ah').

In the U.S. it appears in Latina families. Rare, a-coined-name at the root, and elegant.

Did you know? Vanessa was coined by Jonathan Swift (for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh, blending 'Van' + 'Essa') — and later became a butterfly genus — Vanesa is a single-s Latina spelling; elegant.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Vanessa — root etymology

Variations

VanessaVannesaVanesa

Nicknames

Nessa

Famous Bearers

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If you like Vanesa…

Vanessa— the standard spelling
Nessa— the short form
Janessa— another -nessa girls' name
Julissa— shares the -sa ending
Clarissa— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Vanesa

By themeenglishlatinmodern-spelling

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Vanesa mean?

Vanesa spells Vanessa — a name coined by Jonathan Swift (and later a butterfly genus).

How do you pronounce Vanesa?

It's said və-NES-ah /vəˈnɛs.ɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Vanesa a boy or girl name?

Vanesa is a girl's name.

How popular is Vanesa?

Vanesa is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Vanessa is more common.

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