Jonathan Swift created the name, Vanessa, as a poetic title for Esther Vanhomrigh, a combination of her last name (Van) and her nickname (Hessy). The first use of Vanessa in print is a 1713 poem entitled "Cadenus and Vanessa," in which Vanessa is described as having all of the charms of Venus and Minerva (Pallas). Vanessa is therefore incredibly beautiful (though Pallas mistakes her for a boy), brilliant in mind, wise and virtuous, ignites desire in others, and is herself a flame. In the poem, she seduces her mentor, so teachers should beware Vanessas.
Contrary to popular belief, Vanessa is not Greek, nor Latin--it has been used to describe a species of butterfly, but does not itself mean butterfly in either of these languages.
Contrary to popular belief, Vanessa is not Greek, nor Latin--it has been used to describe a species of butterfly, but does not itself mean butterfly in either of these languages.
"That scholars would forsake their books,
To study bright Vanessa's looks;
As she advanced, that womankind
Would by her model form their mind"
To study bright Vanessa's looks;
As she advanced, that womankind
Would by her model form their mind"
by swiftian April 16, 2015
Get the Vanessa mug.Vanessa is a beautiful, friendly, and quite small person. She is very sensitive and cares a lot about other people. She hates drama but is always involved in it. Everyone wants to meet a Vanessa
Vanessa is a amazing person
by Emilylee October 10, 2017
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The girl who makes everyone laugh. She is beautiful on the inside and out. She is pretty, hot, perfect, cutest girl you'll ever see. This girl has slammin hips. The girl who's deticated and likes to dance and party. Mess with her and you'll regret it.
Damn look at her, that must be Vanessa.
That girl Vanessa is fine as hell!
That girl Vanessa has booty!
Vanessa is my bestfriend.
That girl Vanessa is fine as hell!
That girl Vanessa has booty!
Vanessa is my bestfriend.
by _lmao February 12, 2015
Get the Vanessa mug.A beautiful name for a beautiful person. It means butterfly and has several similarities with it. Vanessa's are delicate and kind, they're naturally blessed with everything good and always try to make the world a nicer, prettier place.
Guy:"Hey, that butterfly makes the world look pretty"
Vanessa: "Did you know the name Vanessa means butterfly?"
Guy: "Hey that fits, you're always making the world more gorgeous everyday"
Vanessa: "Did you know the name Vanessa means butterfly?"
Guy: "Hey that fits, you're always making the world more gorgeous everyday"
by lochmonster April 14, 2010
Get the Vanessa mug.An amazing beautiful girl. She always knows how to make you laugh when you're feeling down. Her and her best friend make the best inside jokes. Vanessa loves cucumbers so much. She is a amazing friend and girlfriend. Very loyal and nice. very very hot like damn bbg. She has an amazing body. Very very thiccc.
by Damnbbg January 10, 2018
Get the Vanessa mug.Vanessa is awesome and can laugh at a lot of dumb stuff. She is there for you and can talk about anything without judging you. She is pretty and funny and an amazing singer and volleyball player. People take her for granted and don't realize how awesome she is. She is one of the best people to hang out with and is super fun. She helps you through your problems and can ironically joke about Fortnite with you. Vanessa is truly amazing.
by Rileshio November 5, 2018
Get the vanessa mug.A fun, stupid, and crazy girl who is very beautiful. She's into music and loves talking her heart out. So many people tease her though but she doesn't care. Vanessa is a care-free person. Most likely to be American, Puerto Rican, Mexican, or Filipino. Vanessa's are known to be average height. Boys like her because of her fun personality. Most people want to be friends with her. Vanessas' like to dance and do many activities. They are very pretty and cute. Very sassy also. Means butterfly in Greek.
by girljustsouknow May 18, 2017
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