Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Vivian
GirlLatin· “alive”
- Meaning
- alive
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- VIH-vee-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #72
- US babies 2025
- 3,362
- Best rank
- #64 (1920)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Vivian
Vivian is a Latin name that means “alive”.
From the Latin name Vivianus, based on vivus, "alive," Vivian carries a meaning full of energy. In medieval France it was mostly a man's name, borne by a few early churchmen. Its feminine life came largely through Arthurian legend, where Vivien or Viviane is one of the names of the Lady of the Lake, the enchantress who learns Merlin's secrets. Tennyson's poem "Merlin and Vivien" helped fix that spelling in English. Vivian was a stylish choice in the early twentieth century and has returned as a vintage revival. Viv and Vivi make easy nicknames, and the spelling Vivienne gives it a French flavor.
Other spellings with the same sound: Vivienne, Vivien.
Popularity over time
Vivian has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #64 in 1920, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,128 babies. In 2025, 3,362 babies were named Vivian, and it ranked #72 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #64 in 1920, #138 in 1950, #498 in 1980, #272 in 2000, #158 in 2010, and #72 in 2025. Of the 228,172 US girls named Vivian since records began, 16% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 27,231 babies. Since 2010, 44,571 more have been named Vivian.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lillie, Mattie, Velma, Harriet, and Beatrice.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Vivian ranked highest in Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Vivian is usually pronounced VIH-vee-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with V and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Vivienne and Vivien.
Middle names for Vivian
A few middle names that flow with Vivian: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Vivian
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Lists that include Vivian
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Vivian mean?
Vivian is a Latin name that means “alive”.
What is the origin of the name Vivian?
Vivian has Latin roots. From the Latin name Vivianus, based on vivus, "alive," Vivian carries a meaning full of energy.
Is Vivian a popular name?
Yes. Vivian ranked #72 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Vivian a boy or girl name?
Vivian is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Vivian?
Vivian is usually pronounced VIH-vee-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings