Vanessa
GirlEnglish
Vanessa is a girl name of English origin meaning "Butterfly".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
English
Religion
None
Popularity
22 / 100
Syllables
3
Length
7 letters
Meaning
Butterfly
Etymology
Created by Jonathan Swift in 1726 for his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa'; derived from Van (prefix) and Essa (suffix), likely inspired by 'Van' from Vanhomrigh, his friend's surname.
Famous People Named Vanessa
- Vanessa Hudgens — American actress and singer (born 1988)
- Vanessa Paradis — French singer, model and actress
- Vanessa Redgrave — British actress and activist (born 1937)
- Vanessa James — Canadian, British and French pair skater
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanessa
What does the name Vanessa mean?
Vanessa means "Butterfly", and is of English origin.
What is the origin of the name Vanessa?
Vanessa originates from English, commonly used in Europe.
Is Vanessa a boy or girl name?
Vanessa is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Vanessa associated with?
Vanessa is associated with None.
Are there famous people named Vanessa?
Yes — notable people named Vanessa include Vanessa Hudgens (American actress and singer, born 1988), Vanessa Paradis (French singer), Vanessa Redgrave (British actress and activist, born 1937) and Vanessa James (Canadian).
Last updated: June 2026