Girl · 98th of 30,306
Vivian
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
227,375
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1920
Peak Popularity Year
4,200
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Vivian stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Vivian has its roots in Latin, meaning 'alive' or 'living.' It evolved from the Latin 'Vivianus' to Old French 'Vivien,' and later to Middle English as 'Vivian.' The name is characterized by its elegance and charm, with no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and remains a favored choice today, associated with notable figures in the arts.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈvɪv.i.ən/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Vivian comes from the Latin name 'Vivianus,' which is derived from 'vivus,' meaning 'alive' or 'living.'
Meaning
alive, living
Language Evolution
Vivianus (Latin), Vivien (Old French), Vivian (Middle English)
Historical Usage
Vivian gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine name. It has been used for both genders, although it is more commonly associated with females in modern times.
Variants & Derivatives
Vivienne, Vivi, Viveca
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Vivian is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with sophistication and charm. It remains a popular choice for new parents.
Famous People
Vivian Leigh, an acclaimed British actress known for her role in 'Gone with the Wind.', Vivian Westwood, a renowned British fashion designer.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,200 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 11 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 804th of 7545 | 1,112 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1183rd of 6773 | 608 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1792nd of 7552 | 361 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4253rd of 10718 | 95 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5860th of 16616 | 110 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14114th of 24088 | 37 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 14409th of 23106 | 31 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 82nd of 9107 | 58,230 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 113th of 9204 | 42,598 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 161st of 12526 | 42,131 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 364th of 19264 | 10,504 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 406th of 27321 | 9,671 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 219th of 35406 | 23,850 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 98th of 30306 | 34,966 |