Find out how popular the first name Vannessa has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vannessa by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Vannessa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Vannessa.

The history of the first name Vannessa

Vannessa is a feminine given name with its origins traced back to the ancient Greek language and culture. It is derived from the word "phanessa," which means "to bring light" or "to shine." The name's earliest known use can be traced back to the 5th century BCE, when it was mentioned in the writings of the Greek philosopher Plato.

The name Vannessa gained popularity during the Byzantine era, particularly among the nobility and ruling classes. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Vannessa of Constantinople, a noblewoman who lived in the 10th century CE. She was known for her philanthropic efforts and her support of the arts and literature.

In the 12th century, the name Vannessa appeared in the works of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who mentioned a character by that name in his famous work "The Divine Comedy." This literary reference helped to further popularize the name throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

During the Renaissance period, the name Vannessa was associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous was Vannessa Ferreira, a Portuguese painter and sculptor who lived in the 16th century. Her works were commissioned by the royal courts of Portugal and Spain, and she was renowned for her portraiture and religious art.

Another notable figure with the name Vannessa was Vannessa Montague, an English writer and poet who lived in the 17th century. She was known for her satirical works and her critical commentary on the social and political issues of her time.

In the 18th century, the name Vannessa was closely associated with Vannessa Bell, an English painter and member of the Bloomsbury Group. She was a prominent figure in the modernist art movement and was known for her innovative techniques and bold use of color.

During the 19th century, the name Vannessa gained popularity in the United States and other parts of the world. One notable figure with this name was Vannessa Ream, an American sculptor who was the first female artist to be commissioned by the United States government to create a statue for the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Vannessa. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it continues to be used in various cultures and regions around the world, carrying with it a rich history and cultural significance.

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 Vannessa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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