Rising since 2006, #2,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Vesper since 1902
Babies named Vesper per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 10 | 0 |
| 1910s | 47 | 15 |
| 1920s | 34 | 26 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 37 | 0 |
| 2010s | 430 | 0 |
| 2020s | 374 | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Vesper is a name with Latin roots meaning 'evening,' and it has been in occasional use since at least 1902. Its modern resurgence is notable: after decades of obscurity, the name began climbing in popularity around 2006 and reached its peak rank of 2,458 in 2025, with 1 in 22,323 girls receiving the name that year. The name's literary association with the Bond character Vesper Lynd has contributed to its appeal, but its classical sound and celestial meaning also attract parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar name. Geographically, Vesper is most popular in New York, California, and Texas, reflecting its embrace in trendsetting states. While still uncommon, its steady rise suggests a growing appreciation for this elegant evening name.
Vesper derives from Latin vespera, meaning 'evening.' In Roman contexts, Vesper was the name of the evening star (the planet Venus at dusk). The word entered Christian liturgy as 'vespers,' the evening prayer service. As a given name, it has been used occasionally since the 19th century, often in literary or artistic circles. Its modern revival owes much to the character Vesper Lynd in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel 'Casino Royale' and its film adaptations.
Where Vesper is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vess, Ves
Sibling names for Vesper
Names that share Vesper's style, for a brother or sister.
