The rare baby name Vendela both debuted and saw peak usage in the U.S. in 1993:
- 1995: 7 baby girls named Vendela
- 1994: 7 baby girls named Vendela
- 1993: 9 baby girls named Vendela [debut]
- 1992: unlisted
- 1991: unlisted
Why?
Because of supermodel Vendela (pronounced VEHN-deh-lah) — born Vendela Kirsebom in Sweden in 1967.
After modeling in Europe for several years, she relocated to New York City to become “the face” of American cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden in 1989.
Though she was often featured in advertisements and on magazine covers, her name didn’t pop up in the U.S. baby name data until she became a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covergirl in early 1993. Importantly, her name was also on the cover:
Speaking with Glamour magazine in the late ’80s about her name, she said:
I’ve never met anybody else with my first name. It’s old-fashioned and people don’t use it much anymore. When I was younger I didn’t like it because everyone always had to ask again, “What was your name?” Now I like that it’s different.
The name Vendela is a Swedish feminine form of the Germanic name Wendel, which was derived from a Germanic word referring to the Vandals (an ancient Germanic tribe).
What are your thoughts on the name Vendela?
Sources:
- Vendela Kirsebom – Wikipedia
- Brady, James. “In Step with Vendela.” Parade 8 Aug. 1993.
- Interview with Vendela. Glamour Feb. 1988.
- Behind the Name
- SSA
Images: Clippings from the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine (22 Feb. 1993)
