Vanessa
Butterfly (literary creation by Swift)
Origin
Used in
Origin and meaning of Vanessa
Vanessa is a literary invention: the writer Jonathan Swift coined it in the early eighteenth century for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh, joining part of her surname to the pet form 'Essa.' Later a naturalist gave it to a genus of butterflies, hence the butterfly association. Popular throughout the twentieth century in Europe and the Americas, it endures for its modern, elegant sound. It evokes lightness, grace and freedom, with an international, faintly exotic charm.
Variants around the world
How Vanessa sounds in other languages.
Famous people
- Vanessa Redgrave— actress
- Vanessa Bell— painter
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Vanessa mean?
The name Vanessa means Butterfly (literary creation by Swift).
What is the origin of the name Vanessa?
Origin of Vanessa: Greek.
What are the international variants of the name Vanessa?
International variants of Vanessa: Vanesa.