Vivien

“alive”

France origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1746US 2023

118Births / yr

↑Rising

6.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 188500.02% of births at peak

What does Vivien mean and where does it come from?

Vivien is derived from the Latin word 'vivus', meaning 'alive'. The name became popular through its association with the legendary King Arthur, where a character named Vivien appears in Arthurian tales. The name saw significant popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countri

Cultural significance

Vivien has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of alive.

Peak popularity

Reached #515 in 1911 — currently #1746 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Vivien?

Vivien works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Vivien Grace

How popular is Vivien right now?

Rising — up 15 spots — currently #1746 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1746 · Top 1.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1746	118	▲ up 15
2022	#1761	118	▼ down 353 · -24% births
2021	#1408	155	▼ down 77 · -5% births
2020	#1331	164	▼ down 247 · -32% births
2015	#1084	241	▲ up 76 · +15% births
2010	#1160	209	▲ up 764 · +109% births
2005	#1924	100	▲ up 584 · +67% births
2000	#2508	60	▲ up 994 · +94% births
1995	#3502	31	▲ up 740 · +35% births
1990	#4242	23	▲ up 2741 · +156% births
1985	#6983	9	▼ down 157
1980	#6826	9	▼ down 2653 · -40% births
1975	#4173	15	▲ up 345 · +25% births
1970	#4518	12	▼ down 531 · +9% births
1965	#3987	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Vivien

Best Year1940Rank #573

Peak Count241

Average Rank#2232

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Vivien

Vivien has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 6,802 total births recorded, Vivien remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1197 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1746 in 2023. Vivien is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Vivien in 1911:

Mary Helen Margaret Dorothy Ruth

Vivien by decade

Vivien peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	86
1900s	111
1910s	513
1920s	789
1930s	344
1940s	636
1950s	341
1960s	199
1970s	117
1980s	113
1990s	355
2000s	937
2010s ★	2,092
2020s	164

💎With 6,802 total births, Vivien is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Vivien?

Common

VivVivieVivyIvien

What names sound and feel like Vivien?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vivien also consider these

Vivian

France · Life

Viviene

France · Alive; full of

Viven

English · The one who

Devien

France · French

Savien

France · Derived from the

Vicken

English · English

Virden

American · Derived from an

Vien

Vietnam · peaceful

Common questions about the name Vivien

What does the name Vivien mean?

Vivien means "alive" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Vivien?

Vivien is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Vivien?

Vivien originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Vivien a common or rare name?

Vivien is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Vivien more of a girl or boy name?

Vivien is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.