Here is an exact quote from the Online Etymology Dictionary:
1660s, from Sp. vainilla "vanilla plant," lit. "little pod," dim. of vaina "sheath," from L. vagina "sheath" (see vagina). So called from the shape of the pods. European discovery 1521 by Hernando Cortes' soldiers on reconnaissance in southeastern Mexico. Meaning "conventional, of ordinary sexual preferences" is 1970s, from notion of whiteness and the common choice of vanilla ice cream. Vanillin is from 1868.
The reason the exact quote was given here is that it was rather unusual and I didn't want anyone to think this origin was invented by the person answering the question.
Please see the related link below.
The country of origin for the word "vanilla" is Spain. The word vanilla comes from the Spanish word "vainilla" and the French word "vanille" which come from the Spanish word "vaina" stemming from the Latin "vagina." The word vanilla became common during the 17th century.
no vanilla is a thing white tasty and more describes the word vanilla.
Vanilla has three syllables. The syllables are va-nil-la.
it a vanilla liquer....
The word Vanilla comes from the Spanish word "vainilla", diminutive form of "vaina" (meaning "sheath"), which is in turn derived from Latin "vagina".
The country of origin for the word "vanilla" is Spain. The word vanilla comes from the Spanish word "vainilla" and the French word "vanille" which come from the Spanish word "vaina" stemming from the Latin "vagina." The word vanilla became common during the 17th century.
no vanilla is a thing white tasty and more describes the word vanilla.
Vanilla is "la vanille" (fem.) in French.
Heaven.
Pure vanilla extract comes from the mexican species flat-leaved vanilla, I think.
Chocolate
Banira.
Orchid
Approximately 60% of the world supply of vanilla beans come from Madagascar.
Vanilla has three syllables. The syllables are va-nil-la.
The word is spelled vanilla.
Three (: