Vivien Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationVIV-ee-ən / ˈvɪviənLatin; French
Meaning
Latin: alive; French: lively
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Vivien has its roots in the Latin word "vivus," meaning "alive" or "living." This etymology is reflected in the Old French form "Vivien," which emerged in the medieval period. The name was introduced into the English language through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was used both as a masculine and feminine name. The feminine variant, Vivienne, became more prominent in later centuries, particularly in the context of literary and artistic works that celebrated themes of life and vitality.
Historically, the name Vivien is associated with several notable figures, including Vivien of the Arthurian legends, who is often depicted as a powerful enchantress, sometimes identified with the Lady of the Lake. This connection to Arthurian romance, particularly in the works of medieval poets and writers, helped to solidify the name's presence in English literature. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer and later in the works of Tennyson and other Victorian poets, further embedding it in the cultural consciousness of the time.
Culturally, the name Vivien has been associated with themes of vitality and femininity, resonating with the idea of life and renewal. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its melodic quality and the positive connotations of its meaning. In literature and art, characters named Vivien often embody strength and resilience, reflecting the name's historical significance. The diminutive form "Viv" has also been used, although it is less common in historical texts. Overall, Vivien represents a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in the concepts of life and vitality.
Trend Summary
Vivien has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable resurgence in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Vivienne
- Vivian
International Variants
- Viviane (French)
- Vivianna (Italian)
- Viviana (Spanish)
Famous people named Vivien
Vivien Leigh is an actress best known for Gone with the Wind, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone.
Fictional characters named Vivien
Vivien is a fictional character from the play and film The Last Five Years. She is a character who represents the struggles and complexities of a romantic relationship over time.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Vivien was first seen in the United States in 1885. Vivien has ranked as high as #1147 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Vivien has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Vivien (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 13 | |
NY | 10 | |
CA | 10 | |
MA | 9 | |
FL | 7 | |
GA | 7 | |
OH | 5 | |
WA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1885 | 5 |
1890 | 6 |
1892 | 5 |
1893 | 8 |
1894 | 18 |
1895 | 12 |
1896 | 9 |
1897 | 8 |
1898 | 12 |
1899 | 8 |
1900 | 15 |
1901 | 12 |
1902 | 7 |
1903 | 6 |
1904 | 10 |
1905 | 12 |
1906 | 10 |
1907 | 21 |
1908 | 10 |
1909 | 8 |
1910 | 26 |
1911 | 66 |
1912 | 74 |
1913 | 38 |
1914 | 40 |
1915 | 53 |
1916 | 47 |
1917 | 48 |
1918 | 59 |
1919 | 57 |
1920 | 54 |
1921 | 58 |
1922 | 72 |
1923 | 79 |
1924 | 110 |
1925 | 89 |
1926 | 81 |
1927 | 87 |
1928 | 80 |
1929 | 58 |
1930 | 57 |
1931 | 33 |
1932 | 34 |
1933 | 31 |
1934 | 30 |
1935 | 30 |
1936 | 28 |
1937 | 28 |
1938 | 21 |
1939 | 52 |
1940 | 148 |
1941 | 93 |
1942 | 61 |
1943 | 50 |
1944 | 46 |
1945 | 48 |
1946 | 57 |
1947 | 50 |
1948 | 50 |
1949 | 33 |
1950 | 40 |
1951 | 47 |
1952 | 47 |
1953 | 35 |
1954 | 32 |
1955 | 25 |
1956 | 22 |
1957 | 38 |
1958 | 30 |
1959 | 25 |
1960 | 34 |
1961 | 31 |
1962 | 24 |
1963 | 20 |
1964 | 22 |
1965 | 11 |
1966 | 14 |
1967 | 22 |
1968 | 9 |
1969 | 12 |
1970 | 12 |
1971 | 10 |
1972 | 10 |
1973 | 8 |
1974 | 10 |
1975 | 15 |
1976 | 8 |
1977 | 15 |
1978 | 8 |
1979 | 20 |
1980 | 9 |
1981 | 11 |
1982 | 15 |
1983 | 8 |
1984 | 10 |
1985 | 9 |
1986 | 9 |
1987 | 18 |
1988 | 12 |
1989 | 12 |
1990 | 23 |
1991 | 33 |
1992 | 26 |
1993 | 35 |
1994 | 34 |
1995 | 31 |
1996 | 49 |
1997 | 37 |
1998 | 42 |
1999 | 46 |
2000 | 60 |
2001 | 57 |
2002 | 65 |
2003 | 96 |
2004 | 91 |
2005 | 100 |
2006 | 113 |
2007 | 104 |
2008 | 100 |
2009 | 151 |
2010 | 209 |
2011 | 175 |
2012 | 190 |
2013 | 204 |
2014 | 248 |
2015 | 241 |
2016 | 221 |
2017 | 219 |
2018 | 198 |
2019 | 193 |
2020 | 166 |
2021 | 155 |
2022 | 118 |
2023 | 118 |
2024 | 118 |