Declining since 2014.
Popularity of Yanessa since 1981
Babies named Yanessa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Yanessa's real moment was 2014.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 133 |
| 2010s | 119 |
| 2020s | 14 |
Meaning & origin
Yanessa is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1981, reflecting the trend of creating new names by blending familiar sounds. Its peak usage came in 2014, though it never reached mainstream popularity, and it has been falling in use steadily since that year. The name's 1-in-N ratio is not available due to its rarity, but its trajectory suggests parents in the 2010s found it appealing for its melodious, -essa ending. Despite being a modern invention, Yanessa carries a contemporary feel without deep historical roots.
Yanessa is a modern coinage, first recorded in the United States in 1981. It likely emerged as a feminine name by combining elements from names like Yana (a short form of Anna or an independent name) and Vanessa (a literary name coined by Jonathan Swift). Alternatively, it may be a variant of Janessa, itself a modern invention. The name has seen limited but consistent use, particularly in the 2010s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yana, Nessa, Essa
Sibling names for Yanessa
Names that share Yanessa's style, for a brother or sister.
