Vanessa
Meaning: Butterfly; invented name
Origin: Literary/English
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #82
Total births: 7,090
History: Vanessa peaked in the 1980s in Australia. Vanessa Amorosi's powerful voice made her one of Australia's biggest pop stars — she sang at the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening ceremony. In Australia, Vanessa means that unforgettable Olympic moment.
Explore more at Australian Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2001) | #93 |
| Babies named Vanessa in 2001 | 81 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 7,090 |
| Peak year | 1971 (386 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #17 |
| Years in records | 1963–2001 (38 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 18 spots |
Frequently asked about Vanessa
What does the name Vanessa mean?
Vanessa means “Butterfly; invented name” from Literary/English roots.
What is the origin of the name Vanessa?
Vanessa has Literary/English origin. The traditional meaning is “Butterfly; invented name”.
How popular is Vanessa in Australia?
Vanessa ranked #93 in Australia in 2001 — given to 81 babies that year.
When was Vanessa most popular?
Vanessa peaked in 1971 with 386 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Vanessa a boy or girl name?
Vanessa is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Vanessas in registered births are female.
Is the name Vanessa rising or falling in popularity?
Vanessa has fallen 18 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #75 in 1996 to #93 in 2001.
How long has Vanessa been recorded in Australia?
Vanessa appears in birth records in Australia across 38 years — from 1963 through 2001.