About the name Vivian
The origin of Vivian is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Latin roots, with the meaning “Alive”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.
Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Vivian we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.
It has a vintage feel. In 2025, Vivian ranked #72 for girls in the US, with 3,362 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2025. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Vivian were girls.
- US rank 2025
- #72
- In 2015
- #95
- Babies in 2025
- 3,362
Popularity of Vivian, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
Hello, world
Vivian
Your last name
born on your big day
7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Vivian on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Vivian. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Vivian
- Viv
Names similar to Vivian
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.