Vanda first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Vanda has been for the last 29 years (from 1974 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Vanda

Of Scandinavian origin, meaning "wanderer" or "one who travels far".

Popularity of Vanda by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Vanda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Vanda.

Year Male Count Female Count
2002 0 5
1999 0 5
1995 0 8
1992 0 8
1990 0 8
1989 0 9
1988 0 10
1987 0 5
1986 0 7
1985 0 7
1984 0 6
1983 0 10
1981 0 16
1980 0 9
1979 0 8
1978 0 15
1977 0 11
1976 0 15
1975 0 9
1974 0 13

The history of the first name Vanda

The name Vanda is of Sanskrit origin, derived from the word "vanda," which means "to praise" or "to honor." It is believed to have originated in ancient India, where it was used as a feminine name.

In Hindu mythology, Vanda is associated with the goddess Durga, who is revered as the embodiment of divine strength and protection. The name is mentioned in various ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, such as the Puranas and the Vedas.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Vanda can be found in the epic poem Mahabharata, where it is mentioned as the name of a princess. Additionally, there are references to women named Vanda in ancient Indian inscriptions and historical records dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Vanda. One such figure is Vanda Gerty Samakya (1888-1968), an Indonesian painter and artist who is renowned for her vibrant depictions of Balinese culture and landscapes. Another prominent Vanda was Vanda Scaravelli (1908-1999), an Italian yoga teacher and author who developed her own method of practicing yoga based on gravity and releasing tension.

In the field of botany, the name Vanda is associated with a genus of orchids native to Southeast Asia and the East Indies. The Vanda orchid was named by William Roxburgh in 1819, likely inspired by the Sanskrit word "vanda" meaning "to praise," as these flowers were highly valued for their beauty and fragrance.

Vanda Aleksandra Obradović (1892-1975) was a Serbian mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of electromagnetism. She was the first female professor at the University of Belgrade and played a crucial role in advancing women's education in Serbia.

Vanda Polakova (1886-1962) was a Czech painter and illustrator known for her Art Nouveau style and her illustrations for children's books. Her vibrant and whimsical artwork captured the imagination of generations of young readers.

These are just a few examples of the historical figures who have borne the name Vanda, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and diverse applications across various fields.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Vanda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Vanda, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Vanda first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 12, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/vanda-meaning-and-history/.

"Vanda first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/vanda-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 12 May, 2025

Vanda first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/vanda-meaning-and-history/.

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.