Vivian is a unisex given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "vivus," which means "living" or "life." It is also associated with the Latin phrase "vivia," meaning "full of life." The name Vivian has been used historically for both males and females. In the Middle Ages, it was a popular masculine name in England, often given to boys who were considered to be vibrant or energetic.
The name Vivian gained popularity among women in the late 19th century, likely due to the success of the novel "Vivian Grey" by Benjamin Disraeli, which featured a female character named Vivian. The name continued to grow in popularity for females throughout the 20th century and remains so today.
The name Vivian has also been used as a surname, with early records indicating that it was an occupational name for a vivid or lively person, or possibly a nickname given to someone who was considered full of life.
In literature and popular culture, the name Vivian has been associated with various characters. In addition to the character in Disraeli's novel, other notable examples include Vivian Kirkham from the children's book series "The Boxcar Children" and Vivian Auburn from the television show "Pretty Little Liars." Additionally, the musician Vivien Goldman is known for her punk and post-punk music.
"The name Vivian experienced significant popularity growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a peak of 3663 births in 1918. After World War II, its usage fluctuated but remained steady until the mid-20th century. It began to decline afterwards, reaching a low of 2667 births in 2022."