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Vivian

♀ Girl

Pronounced VIV-ee-un /ˈvɪv.i.ən/High

Meaning: Alive; lively — from Latin vivianus, from vivus (alive, living)High

In 30 seconds: A vibrant Latin name meaning 'alive and lively,' Vivian carries the energy of its meaning in every syllable. After a mid-century dip it has made a strong comeback as a vintage-chic choice.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningAlive; lively — from Latin vivianus, from vivus (alive, living)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 204,862

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Vivian derives from the Latin Vivianus, from vivus meaning 'alive.' Saint Vivianus was a 5th-century bishop of Saintes in France. The name was used for both men and women in medieval times.

Vivian became fashionable as a girls' name in the 19th century, peaked in the early 20th century through actress Vivien Leigh, and has staged a strong 21st-century revival in the United States.

Did you know? The Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legend is sometimes named Viviane or Nimue — a powerful enchantress who gave Excalibur to King Arthur.

Variations

VivienneVivienVivianne

Nicknames

VivVivi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Vivien Leigh (1913–1967)
    British actress, two-time Academy Award winner known for Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire.

If you like Vivian…

Eleanor— vintage English classic with the same mid-century Hollywood glamour revival
Audrey— Audrey Hepburn-era classic with the same graceful vintage-revival arc
Josephine— long vintage French classic with the same aristocratic warmth
Claire— crisp French classic with the same timeless feminine elegance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Vivian mean?

Vivian comes from the Latin vivianus, meaning 'alive' or 'lively,' from vivus (living).

How do you pronounce Vivian?

It is said VIV-ee-un /ˈvɪv.i.ən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Vivian a boy or girl name?

Vivian is used primarily as a girl's name today, though historically it was also given to boys.

How popular is Vivian?

Vivian has been climbing in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 100 girls' names.