Vivian
Vivian is a girls' name of Latin origin meaning “alive, lively, full of life.” It ranked #70 in the United States in 2025. Derived from the Latin 'vivus' meaning alive.
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how do you pronounce Vivian?
VIV-ee-un
where does the name Vivian come from?
From the Latin Vivianus and its feminine Viviana, probably from vivus, alive.
In Arthurian legend, Viviane or Vivien is the Lady of the Lake who gives Excalibur to King Arthur. The name has a long literary history.
how popular is this name?
Vivian has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #64 in 1920, and ranked #70 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #70 |
| 2024 | #77 |
| 2023 | #87 |
| 2022 | #104 |
| 2021 | #100 |
| 2020 | #101 |
| 2019 | #96 |
| 2018 | #96 |
| 2017 | #97 |
| 2016 | #95 |
| 2010 | #158 |
| 2000 | #272 |
| 1990 | #447 |
| 1980 | #498 |
| 1970 | #338 |
| 1960 | #188 |
| 1950 | #138 |
| 1940 | #115 |
| 1930 | #91 |
| 1920 | #64 |
| 1910 | #107 |
| 1900 | #151 |
| 1890 | #241 |
| 1880 | #342 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Vivian fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Vivian
The name survived into modern use through two early Christian women martyrs and a male saint and bishop. In Arthurian romance the Lady of the Lake is variously called Viviane or Vivien, a separate literary line.
who are famous people named Vivian?
- Vivien Leigh (actress)
- Vivian Maier (American street photographer)
- Vivian Ward (Pretty Woman character)
what are the nicknames and variants of Vivian?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Vivian?
what names go well with Vivian?
Sibling names that share Vivian's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Vivian
What does the name Vivian mean?
Vivian means “alive, lively, full of life”.
What is the origin of the name Vivian?
Vivian comes from the Latin naming tradition. Related forms include Vivien, Viviana and Vivienne.
How popular is the name Vivian?
Vivian ranked #70 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1920, at #64, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Vivian a boy or girl name?
Vivian is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Vivian?
Vivian is pronounced VIV-ee-un, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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