Vivian Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity, & Significance

Vivian Name Origin & Meaning

If ya’re interested in the origin & meaning of the name Vivian, ya’ve come to the right place. In this section, we’ll explore the Latin roots of the name & its various connotations. We’ll also discuss the historical usage of Vivian as a masculine & feminine name, as well as some popular variants & nicknames.

Latin Roots & Meaning

The name Vivian is derived from the Latin name Vivianus, whiich means “alive” or “living.” This Latin root word vivus is also the source of other English words, such as vivid & revive. The name Vivian has been in use since the Middle Ages & was originally a masculine name. However, it has since become a popular gender-neutral name.

Masculine & Feminine Usage

As mentioned earlier, Vivian was originally a masculine name & was introduced to Norman Engl& in the 11th or 12th century. Over time, it gave rise to a variety of British surnames, including Videan, Vidgen, Vidgeon, Fiddian, Fidgeon, Phythian, & Phethean. The Vyvyan family has been a prominent family of Cornwall since the 16th century.

In more recent times, Vivian has become a popular name for girls as well. According to BabyNames.com, the name Vivian is primarily a female name of Latin origin that means “Alive.” The most common variation of Vivian is Vivien but other common spellings are Vivienne & Vivianne.

Variants & Nicknames

There are several variants & nicknames associated with the name Vivian. Some of the popular variants include Vivien, Vivienne, & Vivianne. Nicknames for Vivian include Vi, Vivi, Yen, & Viv. These variants & nicknames offer a variety of options for parents who want to give their child a unique & meaningful name.

In conclusion, the name Vivian has a rich history & a variety of meanings & connotations. Whether ya’re considering it for a boy or a girl, it’s a name that is sure to st& out & make a statement.

Popularity of the Name Vivian

If ya are considering naming yar baby girl Vivian, ya may be interested in knowing how popular the name is. In this section, we will look at the popularity of the name Vivian in the United States & globally.

Vivian in the US

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Vivian was a popular name in the early 20th century, peaking in popularity in 1920 when it was the 48th most popular name for baby girls. However, its popularity declined in the following decades, & by the 1960s, it had fallen out of the top 1000 names.

In recent years, Vivian has been making a comeback. In 2020, it was the 186th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, up from the previous year’s rank of 195. In 2021, it climbed even higher to rank 166. It is predicted to be even more popular in 2022 & 2023, with a rank of 155 & 160 respectively.

Global Popularity

Vivian is not just popular in the United States; it is also a popular name in other parts of the world. In Engl& & Wales, it was the 91st most popular name for baby girls in 2020. In Canada, it was the 80th most popular name for baby girls in 2019.

The name Vivian is also popular in other countries, including France, Germany, & Spain. However, its popularity varies by region & year.

Overall, Vivian is a name that has been popular in the past, declined in popularity, & is now making a comeback. If ya are considering naming yar baby girl Vivian, ya can rest assured that it is a name that is both classic & trendy.

Historical & Cultural References

Arthurian Legend

In Arthurian legend, Vivian is the name of the Lady of the Lake, who gives King Arthur the sword Excalibur. According to the legend, Vivian was a powerful sorceress who lived in a magical underwater kingdom. She is often depicted as a beautiful & mysterious figure, with the power to control the elements & cast spells. The character of Vivian has been featured in many adaptations of Arthurian legend, including novels, films, & television shows.

Saint Vivian

Saint Vivian was a French bishop who lived in the 5th century. During the Visigoth invasion of France, he provided protection to his people & helped to rebuild his community after the invasion had passed. He is often depicted in religious art as a bishop, holding a crosier & wearing a mitre. Saint Vivian is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, & his feast day is celebrated on December 20th.

19th Century Usage

In the 19th century, the name Vivian became popular as a given name for both boys & girls. It was often used as a way to honor the Vyvyan family, a prominent family of Cornwall, Engl&. The name Vivian was also used as a surname, & gave rise to a variety of British surnames, including Videan, Vidgen, Vidgeon, Fiddian, Fidgeon, Phythian, & Phethean.

In conclusion, the name Vivian has a rich & varied history, with cultural & historical references spanning from Arthurian legend to the Roman Empire & beyond. Whether ya choose to name yar child Vivian as a way to honor a saint, a powerful sorceress, or simply because ya love the sound of the name, it is a name that carries with it a sense of history & tradition.

Famous People Named Vivian

If ya are curious about famous people with the name Vivian, ya have come to the right place. This section will introduce ya to some of the most notable individuals who share this name. From actors & actresses to musicians & artists, & other notable figures, this list covers a wide range of fields.

Actors & Actresses

Vivian Vance was an American actress best known for her role as Ethel Mertz on the television sitcom “I Love Lucy.” Vivien Leigh was a British actress who won two Academy Awards for her performances in “Gone with the Wind” & “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Vivian Wilson Henderson was an American actress who appeared in several films & television shows, including “The Cosby Show” & “Law & Order.”

Other notable actresses named Vivian include Vivian D&ridge, the sister of Dorothy D&ridge & an actress in her own right, & Vivian Bang, an American actress & comedian who has appeared in several films & television shows.

Musicians & Artists

Vivian Green is an American R&B singer & songwriter who has released several albums, including “A Love Story” & “Vivian.” Vivian Maier was an American street photographer whose work was discovered after her death & has since been exhibited in galleries around the world.

Other Notable Figures

Vivienne Westwood is a British fashion designer & businesswoman who is known for her punk-inspired designs. Vivian Joan Abbot Walker was an American mathematician & computer programmer who worked on the ENIAC, one of the first electronic computers. Vivian Ward is a fictional character played by Julia Roberts in the movie “Pretty Woman.” Vivian Banks is a character on the television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

While there are many other notable individuals with the name Vivian, these are just a few examples of the diverse range of people who share this name.

Vivian in Literature & Media

Literary References

Vivian is a name that has been used in various works of literature. One of the most famous literary references to the name Vivian is in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Merlin & Vivien.” In this poem, Vivien is a beautiful & manipulative woman who seduces the wizard Merlin & ultimately causes his downfall.

Another notable literary reference is in the novel “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” by Rebecca Wells. In the book, one of the main characters is named Viviane, but goes by the nickname “Vivi.” She is a complex & flawed character who struggles with her relationships with her family & friends.

Vivian in Film & Television

Vivian has also made appearances in various films & television shows. One of the most well-known examples is the character of Vivian Ward in the 1990 romantic comedy “Pretty Woman.” Played by Julia Roberts, Vivian is a prostitute who is hired by a wealthy businessman to be his companion for a week. The film has become a classic & Vivian Ward is an iconic character.

Another notable example is Aunt Vivian Banks from the popular 90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Played by both Janet Hubert & Daphne Maxwell Reid, Aunt Vivian is a strong & opinionated character who is a mother figure to the show’s main character, Will Smith.

In conclusion, the name Vivian has been used in various forms of media throughout history. From literature to film & television, the name has been associated with a variety of characters & personalities.

Similar & Related Names

If ya’re considering the name Vivian for yar little one, ya might also be interested in exploring some similar & related names. Here are some options to consider:

Variants of Vivian

• Vivi
• Vian
• Viv
• Vivia
• Vivien
• Vien
• Vivienne
• Viviana
• Van
• Anna
• Viviane
• Bibiana
• Vivianne
• Vyvyan
• Vine
• Vianne
• Vivianus

Names with Similar Meanings

• Evelyn
• Violet
• William/Liam
• Vevina
• Vina
• Vivianna
• Eva
• Vera
• Victoria
• Vianna
• Bibiane
• Vibiana
• Bébinn

Names Popular in the Same Era

If ya’re looking for names that were popular around the same time as Vivian, here are a few options:

• Alice
• Beatrice
• Clara
• Edith
• Eleanor
• Florence
• Gertrude
• Harriet
• Hazel
• Irene
• Josephine
• Lillian
• Margaret
• Mildred
• Olive
• Pearl
• Ruby
• Ruth
• Stella
• Virginia

Remember, when choosing a name for yar child, it’s important to find one that ya love & that has meaning for ya. Whether ya choose Vivian or one of its similar or related names, make sure it’s a name that ya & yar child will cherish for years to come.