Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Vanessa.
National Rank (2025)
#377
All-Time Peak Rank
#41 (1988)
Total U.S. Births
261,622
Unisex Distribution0.4% Boy / 99.6% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Vanessa Vibe: This choice is considered a Declining Classic. A previously dominant name currently experiencing a prolonged generational cooling period.
📖 The Story Behind Vanessa
According to SSA data, Vanessa achieved its highest historical rank of #41 in 1988. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1985 with 7,563 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 53.0%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 91 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Vanessa scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-53.0% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record7,563Births in 1985
Years in Top 100
33yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
91Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:0
1890s:0
1900s:6
1910s:35
1920s:51
1930s:124
1940s:295
1950s:19,170
1960s:20,983
1970s:28,077
1980s:65,731
1990s:57,920
2000s:43,229
2010s:19,600
2020s:6,401
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesVa-ne-ssa
Letter Count7 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 54.1% of SSA names. Starts with V, a letter used by only 1.5% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Vanessa? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics