Vivian

Vivian is a given name and surname of Latin origin. It derives from the masculine name Vivianus, which in turn comes from the Latin vivus meaning alive or living. In English, the name has been used for both sexes, though in modern usage it is predominantly feminine in many countries. There are several variants in other languages, including Viviana, Vivien, and Vivienne.

As a feminine given name, Vivian gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century and remains common today. It appears in literature and media and is often used with traditional middle and family names. Pronunciation varies by region, commonly rendered as VIV-ee-ən in American English and VIV-yən in some other dialects.

Notable people named Vivian include Vivian Campbell (born 1962), Northern Irish guitarist known for his work with Def Leppard; Vivian Maier (1926–2009), American street photographer whose work gained posthumous acclaim; Vivian Vance (1909–1979), American actress known for I Love Lucy; and Sir Vivian Alexander Richards (born 1952), West Indian cricketer commonly known as Viv Richards. In fiction, Vivian Ward is the protagonist in the 1990 film Pretty Woman.

As a surname, Vivian exists in English and Welsh genealogies and has been adopted in various cultures as a family name. The name’s enduring presence in personal naming reflects its classical roots and flexible usage across time.