Vivian Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Vivian Name Meaning

Fact: In Arthurian legend, Vivian is the name of the Lady of the Lake, a powerful enchantress.

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A Deep Dive

Vivian Overview

Meaning

Alive, lively

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Derived from the Latin name Vivianus. It has been used since the Middle Ages in various forms, including the Old French Vivien and the medieval Latin Viviana.

Pronunciation

/ˈvɪv.i.ən/

Popularity

Vivian remains a favorite worldwide, often appearing in the top name charts in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA, where it ranked 87th in 2023.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Classic, Vintage, Aesthetic, Cute

Associated Traits

Elegant, sophisticated, creative

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Vivian has a rich cultural history and is often associated with the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legend.

Name Day

December 2nd, (Particularly in honor of St. Vivian)
A Deep Dive

Vivian Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Vivianne, Vivien, Viviana, Viviene, Vivianna

Common Nicknames

Viv, Via, Vivvy, Vivie, Viva

Diminutives

Vee, Vian, Vi, Vivi

Famous People

  • Vivian Leigh
    (British Actress)
  • Vivian Vance
    (American Actress)
  • Vivian Green
    (American R&B Singer-Songwriter)
  • Vivian Campbell
    (Northern Irish Guitarist)
  • Vivian Cheruiyot
    (Kenyan Athlete)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Vivian Ward
    ("Pretty Woman," Film)
  • "Vivian Apple at the End of the World"
    (Novel by Katie Coyle)
  • Vivian Kensington
    ("Legally Blonde," Film)
  • Vivian
    ("Vivian's Adventure," TV Series)
  • "Vivian"
    (Song)

Places

  • Vivian Town
    (Louisiana, USA)
  • Vivian Creek Trail
    (California, USA)
  • Vivian Township
    (North Dakota, USA)
  • Vivian Island
    (Nunavut, Canada)
  • Vivian Park
    (Utah, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Vivian?

Meaning “alive” or “full of life,” Vivian is often associated with vibrant and energetic individuals who bring enthusiasm and liveliness to their surroundings.

What Is the Origin of The Name Vivian?

The name Vivian has Latin origins, derived from the Latin word “vivus.” It was used in early medieval times and gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century.

Vivian Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Vivian in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#992021#1042022#872023
Top 3 Rankings#641920#681921#691923

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Vivian

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202387
(+17 from 2022)
2801
(+134 from 2022)
0.16013
2022104
(-5 from 2021)
2667
(-24 from 2021)
0.14874
202199
(+2 from 2020)
2691
(-12 from 2020)
0.15020
2020101
(-5 from 2019)
2703
(-227 from 2019)
0.15291
201996
No change from 2018
2930
(-46 from 2018)
0.15968
201896
(+1 from 2017)
2976
(-56 from 2017)
0.16003
201797
(-2 from 2016)
3032
(-109 from 2016)
0.16049
201695
No change from 2015
3141
(-63 from 2015)
0.16225
201595
(+2 from 2014)
3204
(+142 from 2014)
0.16423
201497
(+23 from 2013)
3062
(+411 from 2013)
0.15652
2013120
(+20 from 2012)
2651
(+387 from 2012)
0.13752
2012140
(+13 from 2011)
2264
(+242 from 2011)
0.11673
2011153
(+5 from 2010)
2022
(+80 from 2010)
0.10435
2010158
(+6 from 2009)
1942
(-22 from 2009)
0.09905
2009164
(+42 from 2008)
1964
(+325 from 2008)
0.09698
2008206
(+4 from 2007)
1639
No change from 2007
0.07869
2007210
(+14 from 2006)
1639
(+103 from 2006)
0.07744
2006224
(-1 from 2005)
1536
(-24 from 2005)
0.07347
2005223
(+8 from 2004)
1560
(+136 from 2004)
0.07686
2004231
(-7 from 2003)
1424
(-29 from 2003)
0.07057
2003224
(+25 from 2002)
1453
(+178 from 2002)
0.07242
2002249
(+63 from 2001)
1275
(+255 from 2001)
0.06456
2001312
(-40 from 2000)
1020
(-157 from 2000)
0.05149
2000272
(+8 from 1999)
1177
(+63 from 1999)
0.05898
1999280
(+45 from 1998)
1114
(+202 from 1998)
0.05722
1998325
(-5 from 1997)
912
(+4 from 1997)
0.04705
1997320
(-6 from 1996)
908
(+11 from 1996)
0.04756
1996314
(+3 from 1995)
897
(+30 from 1995)
0.04679
1995317
(-20 from 1994)
867
(-54 from 1994)
0.04512
1994297
(-2 from 1993)
921
(-10 from 1993)
0.04725
1993295
(+11 from 1992)
931
(+22 from 1992)
0.04722
1992306
(+10 from 1991)
909
(+58 from 1991)
0.04534
1991316
(+131 from 1990)
851
(+299 from 1990)
0.04185
1990447
(+57 from 1989)
552
(+86 from 1989)
0.02687
1989504
(+10 from 1988)
466
(+37 from 1988)
0.02339
1988514
(-14 from 1987)
429
No change from 1987
0.02231
1987500
(-16 from 1986)
429
(-14 from 1986)
0.02289
1986484
(+13 from 1985)
443
(+35 from 1985)
0.02400
1985497
(-9 from 1984)
408
(-4 from 1984)
0.02210
1984488
(-9 from 1983)
412
(+1 from 1983)
0.02285
1983479
(+31 from 1982)
411
(+18 from 1982)
0.02297
1982510
(+24 from 1981)
393
(+41 from 1981)
0.02166
1981534
(-36 from 1980)
352
(-57 from 1980)
0.01968
1980498
(-51 from 1979)
409
(-48 from 1979)
0.02297
1979447
(+82 from 1978)
457
(+109 from 1978)
0.02652
1978529
(-12 from 1977)
348
(-13 from 1977)
0.02117
1977517
(-32 from 1976)
361
(-16 from 1976)
0.02195
1976485
(-32 from 1975)
377
(-46 from 1975)
0.02398
1975453
(-52 from 1974)
423
(-82 from 1974)
0.02710
1974401
(-13 from 1973)
505
(-21 from 1973)
0.03224
1973388
(-12 from 1972)
526
(-43 from 1972)
0.03385
1972376
(-14 from 1971)
569
(-91 from 1971)
0.03529
1971362
(-24 from 1970)
660
(-117 from 1970)
0.03766
1970338
(-19 from 1969)
777
(-33 from 1969)
0.04242
1969319
(-31 from 1968)
810
(-104 from 1968)
0.04595
1968288
(-29 from 1967)
914
(-142 from 1967)
0.05346
1967259
(+1 from 1966)
1056
(-3 from 1966)
0.06151
1966260
(-16 from 1965)
1059
(-194 from 1965)
0.06032
1965244
(-20 from 1964)
1253
(-258 from 1964)
0.06856
1964224
(-21 from 1963)
1511
(-236 from 1963)
0.07720
1963203
(+3 from 1962)
1747
(+2 from 1962)
0.08787
1962206
(-12 from 1961)
1745
(-146 from 1961)
0.08609
1961194
(-6 from 1960)
1891
(-132 from 1960)
0.09104
1960188
(-11 from 1959)
2023
(-161 from 1959)
0.09727
1959177
(-5 from 1958)
2184
(-21 from 1958)
0.10507
1958172
(-19 from 1957)
2205
(-228 from 1957)
0.10674
1957153
(-5 from 1956)
2433
(-127 from 1956)
0.11596
1956148
(+6 from 1955)
2560
(+203 from 1955)
0.12430
1955154
(+2 from 1954)
2357
(+82 from 1954)
0.11756
1954156
(-7 from 1953)
2275
(-83 from 1953)
0.11427
1953149
(-7 from 1952)
2358
(-150 from 1952)
0.12221
1952142
(-4 from 1951)
2508
(+103 from 1951)
0.13186
1951138
No change from 1950
2405
(+136 from 1950)
0.13019
1950138
(-2 from 1949)
2269
(-58 from 1949)
0.12903
1949136
(-10 from 1948)
2327
(-97 from 1948)
0.13255
1948126
(+2 from 1947)
2424
(-59 from 1947)
0.13910
1947128
(-8 from 1946)
2483
(+59 from 1946)
0.13659
1946120
(-2 from 1945)
2424
(+256 from 1945)
0.15029
1945118
(+11 from 1944)
2168
(+146 from 1944)
0.16106
1944129
(-7 from 1943)
2022
(-298 from 1943)
0.14797
1943122
(+2 from 1942)
2320
(+116 from 1942)
0.16163
1942124
(-11 from 1941)
2204
(-76 from 1941)
0.15851
1941113
(+2 from 1940)
2280
(+19 from 1940)
0.18299
1940115
(+13 from 1939)
2261
(+393 from 1939)
0.19139
1939128
(+7 from 1938)
1868
(+71 from 1938)
0.16472
1938135
(-8 from 1937)
1797
(-113 from 1937)
0.15743
1937127
(-12 from 1936)
1910
(-105 from 1936)
0.17335
1936115
(-3 from 1935)
2015
(-110 from 1935)
0.18700
1935112
(-14 from 1934)
2125
(-287 from 1934)
0.19553
193498
No change from 1933
2412
(+34 from 1933)
0.22285
193398
(-8 from 1932)
2378
(-284 from 1932)
0.22733
193290
(-8 from 1931)
2662
(-231 from 1931)
0.24062
193182
(+9 from 1930)
2893
(+21 from 1930)
0.26211
193091
(-10 from 1929)
2872
(-229 from 1929)
0.24622
192981
(-3 from 1928)
3101
(-209 from 1928)
0.26789
192878
(-1 from 1927)
3310
(-200 from 1927)
0.27686
192777
(+3 from 1926)
3510
(+80 from 1926)
0.28388
192680
(-4 from 1925)
3430
(-146 from 1925)
0.27882
192576
(-5 from 1924)
3576
(-274 from 1924)
0.28312
192471
(-2 from 1923)
3850
(+19 from 1923)
0.29714
192369
(+5 from 1922)
3831
(+98 from 1922)
0.30588
192274
(-6 from 1921)
3733
(-370 from 1921)
0.29922
192168
(-4 from 1920)
4103
(-25 from 1920)
0.32062
192064
(+8 from 1919)
4128
(+488 from 1919)
0.33182
191972
No change from 1918
3640
(-23 from 1918)
0.30988
191872
(+7 from 1917)
3663
(+544 from 1917)
0.30465
191779
(-2 from 1916)
3119
(+70 from 1916)
0.27757
191677
(+1 from 1915)
3049
(+192 from 1915)
0.28083
191578
(+3 from 1914)
2857
(+777 from 1914)
0.27904
191481
(+2 from 1913)
2080
(+353 from 1913)
0.26110
191383
(+1 from 1912)
1727
(+240 from 1912)
0.26370
191284
(-4 from 1911)
1487
(+276 from 1911)
0.25345
191180
(+27 from 1910)
1211
(+410 from 1910)
0.27410
1910107
(+4 from 1909)
801
(+149 from 1909)
0.19093
1909111
(+10 from 1908)
652
(+91 from 1908)
0.17713
1908121
(-5 from 1907)
561
(-11 from 1907)
0.15824
1907116
(+13 from 1906)
572
(+83 from 1906)
0.16952
1906129
(-1 from 1905)
489
(-3 from 1905)
0.15601
1905128
(-2 from 1904)
492
(+22 from 1904)
0.15878
1904126
(+2 from 1903)
470
(+38 from 1903)
0.16072
1903128
(+4 from 1902)
432
(+7 from 1902)
0.15529
1902132
(+12 from 1901)
425
(+83 from 1901)
0.15161
1901144
(+7 from 1900)
342
(-41 from 1900)
0.13452
1900151
(+21 from 1899)
383
(+133 from 1899)
0.12054
1899172
(-10 from 1898)
250
(-58 from 1898)
0.10101
1898162
(+14 from 1897)
308
(+67 from 1897)
0.11235
1897176
(+7 from 1896)
241
(+17 from 1896)
0.09707
1896183
No change from 1895
224
(+8 from 1895)
0.08889
1895183
No change from 1894
216
(+4 from 1894)
0.08741
1894183
(+8 from 1893)
212
(+27 from 1893)
0.08984
1893191
(+14 from 1892)
185
(+33 from 1892)
0.08214
1892205
(+27 from 1891)
152
(+44 from 1891)
0.06758
1891232
(+9 from 1890)
108
(+5 from 1890)
0.05494
1890241
(+19 from 1889)
103
(+20 from 1889)
0.05108
1889260
(+2 from 1888)
83
(+6 from 1888)
0.04386
1888262
(-3 from 1887)
77
(+11 from 1887)
0.04065
1887259
(+35 from 1886)
66
(+17 from 1886)
0.04246
1886294
(-19 from 1885)
49
(-2 from 1885)
0.03187
1885275
(+66 from 1884)
51
(+18 from 1884)
0.03593
1884341
(-35 from 1883)
33
No change from 1883
0.02399
1883306
(+35 from 1882)
33
(+6 from 1882)
0.02749
1882341
(-16 from 1881)
27
(+3 from 1881)
0.02334
1881325
(+17 from 1880)
24
(+2 from 1880)
0.02428
1880342
First SSA data recorded
22
First SSA data recorded
0.02254

American States Popularity Rankings for Vivian

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1782021#1892022#2092023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1372021#1242022#1342023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1192021#1222022#1452023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#612021#542022#502023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#732021#762022#722023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#572021#552022#452023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1262021#1512022#1172023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#592021#672022#382023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1642021#1762022#1692023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#2012021#1872022#1782023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1232021#1222022#972023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#572021#732022#322023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1112021#1292022#1232023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#622021#782022#352023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1532021#1672022#1162023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#692021#652022#552023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1212021#1362022#1162023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1722021#1872022#2212023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#322021#412022#312023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1522021#1192022#792023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#722021#702022#532023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#682021#592022#592023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1002021#1052022#1022023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1292021#1402022#1352023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#992021#1402022#852023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1462021#1092022#1162023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#502021#322022#262023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1672021#1022022#1132023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#532021#692022#992023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1502021#1662022#2032023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1372021#942022#1222023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1142021#1882022#1992023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#622021#302022#522023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1432021#712022#932023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1222021#1112022#562023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#932020#1142021#892022

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#822021#662022#1092023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#912021#872022#752023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#392021#412022#672023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2262021#1312022#1022023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#512021#162022#252023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2272020#2252022#762023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1252021#1282022#1562023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1202021#1532022#832023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#532021#832022#932023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5082021#1342022#2552023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#782021#932022#252023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#572019#862022#462023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#332019#442021#562023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#902020#1692021#692022

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1162020#1302021#842023

Popularity Rankings for Vivian in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#262019#122020#72021

Popularity in Finland

Finland flagFinland#482022#322023

Popularity in Czechia

Czechia flagCzechia#722014#592015#732016

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1931964#1981968#1801988

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2052021#1852022#2902023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2901976#3371977#4541991

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#2972022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#4482001#3252002#3382003

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#3662013#4702014#4592015

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3861969#3952015#4022019

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5692016#4962018#4192019

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#4712020#4272021#4892023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9742020#8412021#6772022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#7802019#7022020#9952021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#7342017#8832021#8562023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#7422022#7742023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9092015#9162016#9692020

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Vivian a Name for Boys or Girls?

Vivian is popular as a girl’s name, though historically it has been used for boys as well. Its gentle yet strong character makes it appealing for either gender.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Vivian

Vivian in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Vivian Leigh (Actress, 1913–1967): A British actress best known for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind."
  • Vivian Vance (Actress, 1909–1979): An American actress famous for her role as Ethel Mertz on the TV show "I Love Lucy."
  • Vivian Green (Singer, born 1979): An American R&B singer-songwriter celebrated for her hit song "Emotional Rollercoaster."
  • Vivian Campbell (Musician, born 1962): A Northern Irish guitarist known for playing with the bands Def Leppard and Dio.
  • Vivian Cheruiyot (Athlete, born 1983): A Kenyan long-distance runner who has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.
  • Vivian Dsena (Actor, born 1988): An Indian television actor known for his roles in shows like "Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahani" and "Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon."
  • Vivian Maier (Photographer, 1926–2009): An American street photographer whose work gained posthumous recognition and acclaim.
  • Vivian Wu (Actress, born 1966): A Chinese actress known for her roles in "The Last Emperor" and "The Joy Luck Club."
  • Vivian Balakrishnan (Politician, born 1961): A Singaporean politician serving as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
  • Vivian Ward ("Pretty Woman," 1990 Film): A spirited and charming woman who forms an unexpected relationship with a wealthy businessman.
  • "Vivian Apple at the End of the World" (2014 Novel by Katie Coyle): Follows Vivian Apple as she embarks on a road trip to find her missing parents after a supposed Rapture.
  • Vivian Kensington ("Legally Blonde," 2001 Film): A smart and determined law student who initially clashes with but later befriends the protagonist, Elle Woods.
  • Vivian ("Vivian's Adventure," 2016 TV Series): Chronicles the life of Vivian, a young woman who sets out on a journey to uncover her family's hidden past.
  • "Vivian" (2008 Song by Delta Goodrem): A touching song about love and self-discovery.
  • Vivian Banks ("The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," 1990 TV Series): The elegant and supportive aunt of the protagonist, Will Smith, providing wisdom and guidance.
  • Vivian Ward ("Vivian's Journey," 2021 Film): Depicts Vivian's transformation as she navigates through life's challenges and triumphs.
  • "Vivian's Garden" (2015 Novel): A heartwarming story of Vivian, who finds solace and new beginnings in her beautiful garden.
  • Vivian Harmon ("Maude," 1972 TV Series): A close friend and neighbor of Maude, known for her quirky personality and humor.
  • "Vivian's Quest" (2018 Video Game): An exciting game where players join Vivian on her quest to save her enchanted village from dark forces.
  • Vivian City (Louisiana, USA): A small town located in the northwestern part of Louisiana with a rich history in the oil industry.
  • Vivian Creek Trail (California, USA): A popular hiking trail in the San Bernardino Mountains, leading to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain.
  • Lake Vivian (Queensland, Australia): A serene lake situated in the Carnarvon National Park, offering picturesque views and wildlife.
  • Vivian Township (North Dakota, USA): A township in Lamoure County, characterized by its agricultural landscapes and rural community.
  • Vivian Island (Nunavut, Canada): An uninhabited island in the Arctic Archipelago, part of the Qikiqtaaluk Region.
  • Vivian Park (Utah, USA): A scenic park located in Provo Canyon, featuring picnic areas and access to the Provo River.

Similar Names to Vivian