The given name Vanesa has its origins in the ancient Greek language and culture. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "phanera," which means "brilliant" or "shining." This name was likely initially used to describe someone with a radiant or luminous personality.

During the classical period of ancient Greece, the name Vanesa was not widely used, and there are no known historical records or texts that mention it specifically. However, some scholars suggest that it may have been a regional variant of the more common Greek name "Phanerusa," which shares the same root.

The earliest recorded use of the name Vanesa can be traced back to the medieval period in Europe. It was likely introduced to the region through the influence of Byzantine culture and the Eastern Orthodox Church. One of the first known individuals to bear this name was Vanesa de Montpellier, a French noblewoman who lived in the 12th century and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

In the 16th century, Vanesa Ruiz de Alarcón was a Spanish poet and writer who gained recognition for her work during the Golden Age of Spanish literature. She was born in 1556 and lived until 1639.

During the Renaissance period, the name Vanesa became more widespread across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. In the 17th century, Vanesa Borgia was an Italian painter and one of the few female artists of her time to achieve notable success and recognition. She was born in 1590 and died in 1654.

In the 19th century, Vanesa Rousseau was a French educator and advocate for women's rights. She was born in 1812 and dedicated her life to promoting educational opportunities for women and championing gender equality.

Another notable figure with the name Vanesa was Vanesa Trakl, an Austrian expressionist poet who lived from 1887 to 1914. Her works explored themes of existentialism and the human condition, and she was a prominent figure in the Austrian literary scene of her time.