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Vivienne

♀ Girl

Pronounced VIV-ee-en /ˈvɪv.i.ɛn/High

Meaning: Alive; full of life; French feminine form of Vivian, from Latin vivus (alive, living)High

In 30 seconds: A vibrant French classic meaning 'full of life,' the feminine of Vivian. Associated with the enchantress of Arthurian legend and with fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, it radiates creative energy.
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Origin HighLatin, French
MeaningAlive; full of life; French feminine form of Vivian, from Latin vivus (alive, living)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 13,611

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201518952017

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

History & Origin

Vivienne is the French feminine form of Vivian (also Vivien), derived from the Latin vivus ('alive, living'). It has been used in France since the medieval period. In Arthurian legend, Viviane or Nimue (the Lady of the Lake) is sometimes called Vivienne. The double-n ending distinguishes the French form from the English Vivien.

Vivienne gained wide exposure through British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood (1941–2022). In the United States it was boosted further when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their daughter Vivienne in 2008. It has been climbing the U.S. charts since and is now in the top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? In Arthurian legend, the Lady of the Lake — who gave Excalibur to King Arthur — is sometimes named Viviane or Vivienne, making the name literally the keeper of the magical sword.

Variations

VivianVivienViviana

Nicknames

VivVivvyEnne

Famous Bearers

  • ★Vivienne Westwood (1941–2022)
    British fashion designer, one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
  • ★Vivienne Jolie-Pitt (b. 2008)
    Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt; her naming boosted the name in the U.S.

If you like Vivienne…

Evangeline— four-syllable romantic vintage name on the same revival arc
Eleanor— long elegant classic with the same French-origin sophistication
Arabella— similarly long, romantic, aristocratic name in the same category
Violet— French-origin vintage name equally on a strong revival trend

Frequently Asked

What does the name Vivienne mean?

Vivienne means 'alive' or 'full of life,' as the French feminine form of Vivian, from Latin vivus (living).

How do you pronounce Vivienne?

Vivienne is pronounced VIV-ee-en (/ˈvɪv.i.ɛn/) — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Vivienne a boy or girl name?

Vivienne is used exclusively as a girl's name; Vivian can be used for both sexes.

How popular is Vivienne?

Vivienne has been climbing the U.S. girls' charts since the 2010s and is now in the top 200.