Holding steady.
Popularity of Vaness since 1959
Babies named Vaness per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 49 |
| 1980s | 146 |
| 1990s | 78 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Vaness is a rare modern name first recorded in the United States in 1959. It functions as a streamlined variant of the more familiar Vanessa, a name invented by Jonathan Swift in the early 18th century. While Vanessa peaked in popularity in the 1990s, Vaness has always been a much less common alternative. Its highest recorded usage came in 1988, after which its frequency has remained stable at very low levels. The name has no strong ties to any particular state or region, appearing sporadically across the country. For parents seeking a name that feels familiar but distinctive, Vaness offers a connection to the literary history of Vanessa with a shorter, more modern feel.
Vaness is likely a modern contraction or respelling of Vanessa, a name coined by the Anglo-Irish author Jonathan Swift in the early 18th century for his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa' (1713). Swift formed Vanessa from the name Esther Vanhomrigh, taking 'Van' from her surname and 'essa' from Esther. Vaness as a standalone name may also be a variant of Vanessa with the common English suffix -ess.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vanny, Ness, Vee
Sibling names for Vaness
Names that share Vaness's style, for a brother or sister.
