A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Vada since 1880
Babies named Vada per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2020, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vada's real moment was 1901.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 222 |
| 1890s | 574 |
| 1900s | 775 |
| 1910s | 1,682 |
| 1920s | 1,877 |
| 1930s | 1,263 |
| 1940s | 743 |
| 1950s | 464 |
| 1960s | 272 |
| 1970s | 121 |
| 1980s | 62 |
| 1990s | 219 |
| 2000s | 588 |
| 2010s | 2,173 |
| 2020s | 1,892 |
Meaning & origin
Vada is a name with a modest but enduring presence in the United States. First recorded in 1880, it peaked in 1901 and then declined, only to begin a revival starting in 1987. By 2025, it ranked 884th nationally, with about 1 in 5,322 baby girls receiving the name. The name has seen particular favor in states such as West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Missouri. While its exact etymology is uncertain, Vada's vintage charm and simple sound have contributed to its steady return.
Vada first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century. It may have been coined as a feminine variant of the name Vade, or possibly as a respelling of the Sanskrit name Veda, meaning 'knowledge.' Its rise in the 1990s may be influenced by the character Vada Sultenfuss in the 1991 film 'My Girl,' though this connection is not definitively established.
Where Vada is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vadie, Vay
Sibling names for Vada
Names that share Vada's style, for a brother or sister.
