Butterfly
The name was originally invented by author Jonathan Swift for his poem Cadenus and Vanessa, created by rearranging the name of his close friend Esther Vanhomrigh. It was later adopted as the name for a genus of butterflies. This single-S spelling is a common variant in Spanish-speaking cultures.
About 28 girls were named Vanesa in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Spanish Olympic handball player
Spanish singer-songwriter and poet
Spanish actress and model
The same feel as Vanesa — far less common.
Hidden gems that stand out.
