The name Vania is a variation of the names Ivan and Ivana, which have their origins in the Slavic languages. It is derived from the Greek name Ioannes, which means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious." This name was later Latinized as Johannes and spread throughout Europe during the Christian era.

The earliest recorded use of the name Vania dates back to the 9th century, when it was used in Bulgaria and other Slavic regions. It was a common name among the Bulgars, a semi-nomadic people who established the First Bulgarian Empire in the Balkan region.

In the 11th century, the name Vania appeared in ancient Russian texts, such as the Novgorod Birch Bark Documents. These documents were written on birch bark and served as a form of communication among the inhabitants of Novgorod, one of the oldest cities in Russia.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Vania. One of the earliest examples is Vania I, who ruled as the Tsar of Bulgaria from 1014 to 1018. He was known for his efforts to maintain the independence of the Bulgarian Empire against the Byzantine Empire.

Another famous bearer of the name was Vania Tsanova (1678-1728), a Bulgarian revolutionary who fought against Ottoman rule in the region. She is celebrated as a national heroine in Bulgaria for her role in the Chiprovtsi Uprising of 1688.

In the world of literature, Vania Zhemchuzhnikov (1785-1857) was a prominent Russian writer and poet. He was a member of the literary society Arzamas and is known for his contributions to the development of Russian romantic poetry.

In more recent times, Vania Stambolić (1936-2000) was a Serbian politician who served as the President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia from 1982 to 1983. He played a significant role in the political landscape of Yugoslavia during the years leading up to its dissolution.

Another notable figure is Vania King (born 1989), a former professional tennis player from the United States. She achieved a career-high ranking of No. 50 in singles and won several titles on the WTA Tour.