Evian is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Eupianus, which was likely an adaptation of the Latin word 'eunus', meaning happy or fortunate. The name Evian gained prominence during the Middle Ages and has been used consistently since then, particularly in France where it remains quite popular today.
In its usage as a given name, Evian is often considered unisex, though it's more commonly encountered as a female name. This duality is reflected in its pronunciation; while most frequently pronounced /EH-vee-an/, it can also be said /EE-vyan/ for a male bearer.
Evian has been used by several historical figures and personalities. Perhaps the most famous is Evian McGregor, a New Zealand actor known for his roles in films like "The Crow," "Mortal Kombat," and "Romeo Must Die." The name also appears in literature, such as in George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion" where Mrs. Eavans (likely a misspelling of Evian) is a character.
In the world of beverages, the town of Évian-les-Bains in France gives its name to the mineral water company Evian Springs, one of the most well-known brands of bottled water worldwide.
The name Evian has also been adopted as a given name by some individuals inspired by the town's mineral waters and their supposed health benefits. The use of place names as given names is not uncommon, with other examples including Savannah, Dakota, and Aspen.
In conclusion, Evian is an ancient Latin-derived name with a long history of usage, primarily in France. Its unisex nature and interesting historical associations make it a unique choice for a given name.
The name Evian appears to have experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak occurring between 2000 and 2003, during which it was among the top choices for parents. However, its popularity seems to have steadily declined since then, reaching its lowest point in recent years (2019-2021).