Vesper
GirlLatin· “evening, evening star”
- Meaning
- evening, evening star
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- VEHS-pur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,482
- US babies 2025
- 72
- Best rank
- #2,026 (1902)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Vesper
Vesper is a Latin name that means “evening, evening star”.
Vesper comes from the Latin vesper, evening, related to the Greek Hesperos, the evening star. In English vespers is also the name of the evening prayer service in Christian tradition. The word has long been used poetically for the planet Venus as it appears at dusk. As a given name Vesper is rare but rising, valued for its quiet, atmospheric image. It is said VEHS-pur. Vess and Vee are possible nicknames. The name has a moody, elegant character and a clear link to the night sky.
Popularity over time
Vesper first appears in US Social Security records in 1902. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,026 in 1902, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 82 were named Vesper. In 2025, 72 babies were named Vesper, and it ranked #2,482 nationally. That is 60% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,328 in 1920, #5,767 in 2010, and #2,482 in 2025. Of the 932 US girls named Vesper since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 374 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Keylin, Haylen, Amore, Mayeli, and Yelitza.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Vesper ranked highest in New York, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1822 | 7 |
| California | #2267 | 9 |
| Texas | #3759 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Vesper over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Vesper is usually pronounced VEHS-pur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with V and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Vesper
A few middle names that flow with Vesper: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Vesper
Similar names
Lists that include Vesper
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Vesper mean?
Vesper is a Latin name that means “evening, evening star”.
What is the origin of the name Vesper?
Vesper has Latin roots. Vesper comes from the Latin vesper, evening, related to the Greek Hesperos, the evening star.
Is Vesper a popular name?
Not especially. Vesper ranked #2,482 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Vesper a boy or girl name?
Vesper is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Vesper over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Vesper?
Vesper is usually pronounced VEHS-pur. 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