Vada

What does Vada mean?

Vada is a bright, compact girl’s name with a vintage American feel. It has no securely documented single origin or literal meaning in modern name use, which gives it an open, distinctive quality.

For many parents, Vada is strongly associated with the thoughtful young heroine Vada Sultenfuss in the film My Girl. The name feels both spirited and soft, with its clear opening sound and gentle ending. It is an appealing choice for those who like familiar-sounding names that remain uncommon.

Historical Context

Vada has been used as a feminine given name in the United States, but its precise source is not firmly established. It may have developed independently in English-speaking use, and it has sometimes been connected with similar-looking names or words from different languages, without a documented link that confirms a shared origin. The name gained a lasting cultural association through Vada Sultenfuss, the central character in the 1991 film My Girl.

Popularity of Vada over time

In 2025, Vada was given to 302 girls in the US. Vada has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon girls' name in the US.

What do parents think of Vada?