Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Venus
GirlLatin· “love, desire”
- Meaning
- love, desire
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- VEE-nuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,001
- US babies 2025
- 96
- Best rank
- #570 (1959)
- Peak year
- 1959
Meaning and origin of Venus
Venus is a Latin name that means “love, desire”.
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty and desire, and her name comes from a Latin word meaning love or sexual desire. She was identified with the Greek Aphrodite and held a central place in Roman religion, with Julius Caesar claiming descent from her. Her name was given to the second planet from the sun, the brightest natural object in the night sky after the moon. Venus has appeared in countless works of art, including Botticelli's Birth of Venus. The tennis champion Venus Williams brought the name renewed attention. It is bold and romantic, with a strong celestial connection.
Popularity over time
Venus first appears in US Social Security records in 1887. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1895. Its best national rank was #570 in 1959, the same year it reached its highest count of 295 babies. In 2025, 96 babies were named Venus, and it ranked #2,001 nationally. That is 35% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,664 in 1920, #1,364 in 1950, #834 in 1980, #1,984 in 2000, #2,236 in 2010, and #2,001 in 2025. Of the 9,956 US girls named Venus since records began, 21% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 1,767 babies. Since 2010, 1,679 more have been named Venus.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Dorene, Debbi, Tamie, Maryjo, and Pattie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Venus ranked highest in Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #1032 | 7 |
| Georgia | #1203 | 8 |
| Florida | #1236 | 12 |
| California | #1478 | 16 |
| Texas | #2614 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Venus is usually pronounced VEE-nuhs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with V and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Venus
A few middle names that flow with Venus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Venus
Similar names
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Lists that include Venus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Venus mean?
Venus is a Latin name that means “love, desire”.
What is the origin of the name Venus?
Venus has Latin roots. Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty and desire, and her name comes from a Latin word meaning love or sexual desire.
Is Venus a popular name?
Not especially. Venus ranked #2,001 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Venus a boy or girl name?
Venus is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Venus?
Venus is usually pronounced VEE-nuhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings