Vivien is a name of Latin origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. The name comes from the Latin word "vivus," which means "alive" or "living." In Roman times, Vivien was often given to children born around the winter solstice as it was believed that these babies were born with extra strength and vitality to survive the harshest season.
The name Vivien has a rich history in literature. It is the name of a character in the Arthurian legend "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," where Vivien is a powerful enchantress who helps King Arthur's knights on their quests. In Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre," the protagonist has a cousin named John Reed, whose nickname is "Bloozer" or "Vivien." The name has also been used in several other works of literature throughout history.
Today, Vivien remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. Its Latin origins give it a classic feel while its connection to powerful literary characters adds an air of sophistication. Whether given as a boy's or girl's name, Vivien is sure to make a strong impression wherever it is heard.
The name Vivien experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable surge in usage from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The highest points were reached around the mid-20th century, peaking at 248 births in 2014 and 241 in 2015. However, it appears that the name's popularity has been declining since then, with only 118 births recorded in both 2022 and 2023. Overall, there were a total of 7174 births named Vivien from 1885 to 2023.