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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Vanessa

37 replies

MorrisDancingViv · 24/06/2018 17:06

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?

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DramaAlpaca · 24/06/2018 17:12

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 · 24/06/2018 17:17

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 · 24/06/2018 17:22

Love it, and love Ness as a nick name.

Zazia · 24/06/2018 17:26

I think it's a great name.

LoveInTokyo · 24/06/2018 17:37

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

MikeUniformMike · 24/06/2018 18:32

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

daisypond · 24/06/2018 18:34

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

DeckSofa · 24/06/2018 18:35

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

MorrisDancingViv · 24/06/2018 19:07

This is good to hear!

OP posts:
Discotits · 24/06/2018 19:42

I really like it.

Paranoixia · 24/06/2018 20:21

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

Paranoixia · 24/06/2018 20:21

*!

StrawberryCat · 24/06/2018 22:09

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

FizzyGreenWater · 24/06/2018 22:23

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 Grin.

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

FizzyGreenWater · 24/06/2018 22:23

One I was in school with was Vez.

Smoliver · 24/06/2018 23:16

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 · 25/06/2018 15:47

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 · 25/06/2018 18:03

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 · 25/06/2018 18:06

Love it!

ninetiesrnb · 25/06/2018 18:20

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 · 25/06/2018 18:32

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

desperatehousewife2 · 25/06/2018 22:17

Love this name and there aren’t many about

Racecardriver · 25/06/2018 22:20

It makes me think of gossip girl Blush

17caterpillars1mouse · 26/06/2018 08:24

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 · 26/06/2018 09:44

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