"emptiness, futility"
Origin: Latin vanitas
Language: English
Vanity
Pronunciation: [ v-AN-uht-ee ]
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Bold and rare, a name that owns its meaning
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Meaning & Origin
"excessive pride in appearance"
Origin: Old French vanité
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the concept of vanity (excessive pride)
- May be seen as pretentious by some
The Story of Vanity
Vanity derives from the Latin 'vanitas', meaning emptiness or futility, which came to English through the Old French 'vanité'. In the 17th century, the word acquired the specific meaning of excessive pride in one's appearance. As a given name, Vanity is rare and bold — a deliberate reclamation of a word with complex connotations, much like names such as Rebel or Tempest.
Vanity has never been a common given name, but gained some cultural visibility through the 1980s singer Vanity (born Denise Matthews), who performed under Prince's mentorship. The name remains an unusual choice, appreciated by parents who favor striking, unconventional names.
In Western tradition, 'vanity' is one of the seven deadly sins (pride). The phrase 'Vanity of vanities' opens the Book of Ecclesiastes. Despite these associations, as a name Vanity carries a sense of fearless individuality.
Historical Record
Vanity first appeared in US Social Security records in 1982.
Over 1,845 babies have been named Vanity in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Vanity is past its peak , currently ranked #6,590 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The singer Vanity (1959-2016) popularized the name in pop culture during the 1980s
- Vanity Fair — both the magazine and Thackeray's novel — derive from the same Latin root
- Fewer than 100 babies per year are named Vanity in the US
Vanity in Other Languages
French
Vanité
Italian
Vanità
Spanish
Vanidad
Portuguese
Vaidade
Popularity Over Time
#6,590
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Peaked 1988
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Vanity
V
Vanity
Musician
1959
Canadian singer and actress, born Denise Katrina Matthews, who performed under Prince's guidance in the 1980s
V
Vanity Pendragon Fictional
Other
Character in various fantasy literary works sharing the name
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,590
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Van
Vani
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Vanity
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vanity
What does the name Vanity mean?
"emptiness, futility" (from Latin vanitas). "excessive pride in appearance" (from Old French vanité). Vanity derives from the Latin 'vanitas', meaning emptiness or futility, which came to English through the Old French 'vanité'. In the 17th century, the word acquired the specific meaning of excessive pride in one's appearance. As a given name, Vanity is rare and bold — a deliberate reclamation of a word with complex connotations, much like names such as Rebel or Tempest.
What is the origin of the name Vanity?
Vanity has Latin vanitas, Old French vanité, English, and American origins. In Latin vanitas, it means "emptiness, futility". In Old French vanité, it means "excessive pride in appearance".
Is Vanity a boy or girl name?
Vanity is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Vanity?
Vanity is pronounced v-AN-uht-ee.
How popular is the name Vanity?
Vanity is currently ranked #6590 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Vanity?
Common nicknames for Vanity include Van and Vani.
What are good middle names for Vanity?
Popular middle name pairings include Vanity Rose, Vanity Mae, Vanity Claire, Vanity Jean, and Vanity Louise.
What are good sibling names for Vanity?
Names that pair well with Vanity as siblings include Valor, Verity, Beau, August, and Celeste.
How many syllables does Vanity have?
Vanity has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Vanity a common or rare name?
Vanity is an uncommon name, ranked #6590 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Vanity?
Are there other spellings for Vanity?
Related spellings include Vania.
About the Name Vanity
Vanity is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "emptiness, futility" in Latin vanitas .
Vanity is currently ranked #6,590 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Vanity has 3 syllables and is pronounced v-AN-uht-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Vanity include Van and Vani. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Vanity include Vania . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis