The "dated" matter

Missmarched

So at the top of our list right now is Vanessa Claire.  Some of you may have seen my previous posts - Vanessa is DH's late grandmother's name and he really wants to use it for our DD due in the fall.  Claire is a family name on my side of the family.  I'm aware that Vanessa was probably almost unheard of at the time DH's grandmother was born (1930s) and in fact didn't enter the top 1000 in the US until the early 1950s, peaked in the mid-1980s and has been gradually falling ever since.  I don't think this is a bad track record.  It was top 1000 for around 60 years and top 100 for 30.  However, I am aware that it could be consider dated as it has surpassed it's peak.  It probably doesn't qualify for classic status as that's reserved for the always popular names, such as Elizabeth and James.  What's your take on this name?  Would you throw it in the dated, "mom name" camp at this point or is it still usable today?  As much as I love the idea of honoring DH's grandmother and I do love this name, I wouldn't want to give a "mom name" to my daughter.  Please tell me honestly.  Thanks

hmp1

I think it is a fine name. It doesn't have the same dated feel as the pp mentioned of Jennifer, Stephanie, Heather (my name ha). It has the same feel as Tessa which is pretty popular right now.

JaysonandKristin

IMO, legitimate names don't get date-stamped.

Mallory, Vanessa, Melissa, Jennifer, Ashley, Heather, Kristin, etc. get to be used across the decades without hesitation.  

The "dated" matter will come to pass if the -aden trend ever dies long enough to make a "come-back." 

salt78

I love the name Vanessa and I would be delighted to meet a child with that name. I think it's really refreshing!

von1976

Vanessa is NMS, but I don't think it's dated. It was heavily used in the 80's sure, but so were plenty of other classic names. I think it's a perfectly good name!

melissagh10

Think of it this way.... the name works longer than most of the cutesy/popular names!  (Vanessa in a business setting sounds more professional, for example)

sarahbeth27

I like Vanessa and I don't consider it dated. It was never popular enough to be "tied" to a decade forever (ie: Heather, Jennifer, Brittany). It's a lovely name and honors a family member - I say go for it!!

GrayGhost13

Just personally, I don't necessarily think 80s/Gen X when I hear it like I would with say a Heather, Amy, Jennifer, Melissa, etc. I think it's good to look at the stats, but you have to go with your gut too. I think it's totally usable if you like it.

June2007

hmp&mrj:

I think it is a fine name. It doesn't have the same dated feel as the pp mentioned of Jennifer, Stephanie, Heather (my name ha). It has the same feel as Tessa which is pretty popular right now.

i agree with all of this, though I'm a Jennifer. It's like the top 10 names of a generation that sound dated to me. 

kayjay10

Here's my take on Vanessa.  I do think it was used commonly in the 80s as was Jennifer, Amy, Heather, Jessica.  However, because it wasn't used as heavily as these others I just mentioned, it doesn't feel as dated to me.  There are other names I classify with Vanessa like Lauren, Julie, Leslie, Emily, meaning I know women with these names that are my age, and older, but are still names I wouldn't think twice about on a baby.

With all that said, I love the name Vanessa Claire.  I've always loved both names.  I think they will both stand the test of time and at least they will never have the trendy dated feel that a lot of names today will have in 20+ years.  Don't let your friend (or whoever it was) tell you dissuade you from a great family name.

megemoney

I think that Vanessa Claire is just stunning.  I love it even more since it is your H's late grandmother's name and that the MN is from your side. 

Personally, I like the "dated" names.  I tend to like "old lady/man" names like these.  

I am naming my daughter after my great grandmother on my mom's side and her middle name is my paternal grandmother's middle name.  Eva Maxine.  There have been some people to turn their noses up because it is too "old lady" for them and not trendy enough, but I think a name is important and to me there is nothing better than to honor family members.  (We have b/g twins... our son will be after H's grandfather and have H's first name as his middle name.)

BootsyLou

I think you're way over thinking Vanessa Claire as shown by the number of your posts devoted to this name.  Almost like you're trying to find a reason not to use it.

It's a great name and has family significance.  Please just commit to it already!

apc1929

I think you are totally overthinking it!   Its beautiful, refreshing, classic and the family connection is a plus.   I hope you use it!

Missmarched

Okay, okay I'm committed!  Haha

 

And sorry everyone to bombard this board with questions about our name.  I guess what scares me is that we found the name so quickly.  People spend their entire pregnancy looking for the perfect name, making lists, getting opinions and some still can't commit until they see the baby.  Could we have really nailed it this early on?!  I'm in disbelief!  Thank you everyone who responded to my posts.  I really do appreciate it! :-)

sunnyreader

I don't think it is dated, but Vanessa and Claire make me think of Huxtables- not that it is a bad thing- I loved that show!

Kate070

I really like Vanessa Claire!  And I love the nns Ness or Nessa, if you're so inclined.

 I don't think you should worry that you found it early in your pregnancy.  We're still TTC and have been discussing names.   

Lusciouslana

sarahbeth27:

I like Vanessa and I don't consider it dated. It was never popular enough to be "tied" to a decade forever (ie: Heather, Jennifer, Brittany). It's a lovely name and honors a family member - I say go for it!!

All of this! 

Lusciouslana

Grace0609:

All I can think of is the Cosby Show.  So, it reminds me of the 80's, but it is not a "mom name".  More of a name I think of like Tiffany -- 80s material.

 

Not this at all!  There is no comparison between Tiffany and Vanessa.  Although they were both popular at the same time, their stats and history are very different.  No comparison there.  

msmerymac

I honestly don't care if it's dated, I like it!

Bexx24

BootsyLou:

I think you're way over thinking Vanessa Claire as shown by the number of your posts devoted to this name.  Almost like you're trying to find a reason not to use it.

It's a great name and has family significance.  Please just commit to it already!

Ditto.

You have great reasons for picking it, you like it, you spelled it correctly....stop caring what everyone else thinks. You can't make everyone happy. YOUR baby.