What Does the Name Vivian Mean?
Vivian is a unisex name of Latin origin meaning “alive, lively.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Vivian |
|---|---|
| Gender | unisex |
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | alive, lively |
| Variants | Vivien, Vivienne, Viviana, Bibiana |
| Popularity | A classic that re-entered the U.S. top 100 for girls in the 2010s. |
The meaning and origin of Vivian
The name Vivian means “alive, lively” and has Latin origins. Derived from the Latin name Vivianus, from vivus meaning 'alive.' Historically used for both sexes, it is now predominantly feminine in the English-speaking world.
Variants and related names
Vivian is related to several other names you may recognize: Vivien, Vivienne, Viviana, Bibiana. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Vivian?
A classic that re-entered the U.S. top 100 for girls in the 2010s.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Vivian mean?+
The name Vivian means “alive, lively” and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of the name Vivian?+
Vivian originates from Latin.
Is Vivian a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Vivian has trended in the US over time.
Vivian by gender
More unisex names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press