Vanessa

[MorrisDancingViv]

I'm expecting dc2, not sure of sex and not planning on finding out but I'm interested in the general consensus of Vanessa. I always thought it was rather elegant when I was younger but is it a bit dated these days?

[DramaAlpaca]

It's a beautiful name with an interesting history, but it is dated. I know one in her 50s and another in her 20s.

There's no reason not to revive it though, as it's a lovely name and it has lots of nn potential.

[seriousone]

This is my name and I actually hate it,I tend to get named van /ness/nessy at work which I dont mind but I don't like my first name.

[Sugarpiehoneyeye]

Love it, and love Ness as a nick name.

[Zazia]

I think it's a great name.

[LoveInTokyo]

I think it’s nice. I don’t think it’s ever been popular enough to become dated.

[MikeUniformMike]

I like it. It's elegant. Ness as a nn.

[daisypond]

I like it. Elegant and not too popular. I know a lovely 20-year-old Vanessa, so it has good vibes for me.

[DeckSofa]

I really like it. I've only met one Vanessa but she was friendly, intelligent and stylish.

[MorrisDancingViv]

This is good to hear!

[Discotits]

I really like it.

[Paranoixia]

Love it. Far classier than all the little Ava/Ella/Ada clones, and will suit her in childhood, middle age and old age?

[Paranoixia]

*!

[StrawberryCat]

I think it's lovely! And i like Nessa as a nn.

[FizzyGreenWater]

I've always really liked this and think it's a great choice - bit retro, never been so popular as to be overused, easy to say, recognisable but... unusual. Good letter of the alphabet .

I put Melissa in the same bracket, but it isn't as cool sounding as Vanessa.

[FizzyGreenWater]

One I was in school with was Vez.

[Smoliver]

I think it's a beautiful name. It's classic and well heard of but will be cool and unique on the playground too.

[heateallthebuns]

I did know quite a few at school (I'm 42), I can count five I was at school with. But I haven't heard it much since!!

[HeyDolly]

I like it. It’s on my very short shortlist for DD2 along with Juliet. (DH has vetoed very other name I like!).

The only thing that puts me off it is Vanessa Feltz and Nessa as a potential nn as that just reminds me of Gavin & Stacey. I doubt any of DD2’s peers would make either of those connections though!

[mando12345]

Love it!

[ninetiesrnb]

Hi, my name is Venessa & prefer it to the regular (generic) spelling. My nickname when I was younger was Nessa or Ness then changed to Ven when I got older. Ven sounds better than Van don't you think? I've only ever known two other Vanessa's in my lifetime (both in their 20's & 30's). I don't find it old fashioned at all. I'm in my 30's 😊 Although I'm told it first appeared in the 18th century 🙈

[MariaMadita]

It's nice imo. And there are some adorable nns :)

[desperatehousewife2]

Love this name and there aren’t many about

[Racecardriver]

It makes me think of gossip girl

[17caterpillars1mouse]

Vanessa is a gorgeous name. It has a sophisticated feel to it whikst Ness / Nessa / Nessie woyld be cute on a toddler or even V

I've only ever met one Vanessa, she's in her 30s but would love to meet a little Vanessa

Great choice OP

[ABitOTT]

Ive just put a list of people's names I went to school with & I missed out Vanessa. It's a pretty name & deserves a comeback