Origin and history of vanity

c. 1200, vanite, "that which is vain, futile, or worthless," from Old French vanite "self-conceit; futility; lack of resolve" (12c.), from Latin vanitatem (nominative vanitas) "emptiness, aimlessness; falsity," figuratively "vainglory, foolish pride," from vanus "empty, void," figuratively "idle, fruitless." This is reconstructed to be from PIE *wano-, suffixed form of root *eue- "to leave, abandon, give out."

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. [Ecclesiastes i.2, KJV]

The meaning "inflation of self-conceit upon slight ground, desire of indiscriminate admiration" is attested from mid-14c. By c. 1300 as "unprofitable conduct or use of time." By late 14c. as "vain display, a luxury article or item." Also in Middle English "fantasy, an illusion." In reference to customized license plate numbers by 1983.

Vanity table for "dressing table" is attested by 1898; vanity bag is by 1901.

The vanity bag is one of the graceful little features of mademoiselle's wardrobe. It is made of velvet, satin or silk, daintily lined and having pretty shirred pockets inside, with plenty of space for opera glasses, handkerchiefs, purse and—whisper it—the wee powder puff and tiny mirror. [The Philadelphia Times, Nov. 23, 1901]

Vanity Fair "the world as a scene of ostentatious folly" is from "Pilgrim's Progress" (1678). Vanity publishing is by 1960.