Holding steady.
Popularity of Vanita since 1913
Babies named Vanita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 97 |
| 1920s | 211 |
| 1930s | 212 |
| 1940s | 239 |
| 1950s | 343 |
| 1960s | 387 |
| 1970s | 275 |
| 1980s | 191 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 12 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Vanita is a rare and modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1913, during a trend of names ending in -ita. It reached its highest usage in 1971, but even then it never entered the top 1000. Since the 1970s, its trajectory has been stable, with only a handful of births each year. The name is likely a variant or coinage inspired by similar Spanish-influenced names like Juanita or Bonita, though its exact origin remains uncertain. Vanita offers a distinctive and graceful option for parents seeking a name with a vintage 1970s feel and the familiar 'ita' ending.
Vanita first appears in U.S. records in 1913, during a period when feminine names ending in -ita were fashionable (e.g., Juanita, Bonita). It may have been coined as a blend of the prefix Van- with the popular suffix -ita, or possibly as a respelling of Juanita or Vanetta. The name never entered widespread use but saw its peak in 1971, after which it stabilized at very low frequency. No clear root meaning or derivation from a classical language has been established.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nita, Vani, Vana
Sibling names for Vanita
Names that share Vanita's style, for a brother or sister.
