Vivian, once an elderly lady name, is on the rise, along with all forms of <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/607/girls-names-that-mean-life">girl names that mean life</a> — from Zoe to Eva to those who share the vivid Viv syllable. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2024, vaulting into the Top 100 in 2023.
 
The name is famous in legend and literature from Vivian, the enchantress of Merlin in the Arthurian romances, spelled Vivien in Tennyson's Idylls of the King. Originally, Vivian was the male form, Vivien the female: Vivien Leigh, for some reason, changed her name from Vivian. Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone have a daughter named Vivian, as do Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady. A memorable movie Vivian was played by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
 
Vivienne, the elaborated Gallic version, was chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. This celebrity stamp of approval has given Vivienne a boost in popularity. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood.

Vivian

Claire

Katie101's list "Baby Girl Rockwell" of 3 great name ideas: Vivian - Claire!

Baby Girl Rockwell

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