"alive, living"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Vivienne
Pronunciation: [ v-IHV-ee-uhn ]
Girl Name
#184 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
A magical French name meaning 'full of life'
French
English
Latin
Arthurian
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Literary
Royal
Meaning & Origin
"full of life"
Origin: French
Language: French
The Story of Vivienne
Vivienne derives from the Latin 'vivus,' meaning 'alive' or 'living.' The French form Vivienne entered Arthurian legend as the name of the Lady of the Lake — the enchantress who raised Lancelot, gave Excalibur to King Arthur, and entrapped Merlin. This magical, powerful figure gave the name enduring mythological resonance. The French doubled 'n' spelling is considered the more elegant form.
Vivienne has been rising in English-speaking countries since the 2000s as a sophisticated alternative to the simpler Vivian. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt naming their daughter Vivienne Marcheline in 2008 gave it significant celebrity cache.
In French culture, Vivienne is associated with the elegance of the Belle Époque era. The name of Paris's famous Galerie Vivienne (built 1823) keeps it architecturally and culturally alive. In Arthurian legend, Viviane/Vivienne is one of the most powerful female figures — a sorceress and kingmaker.
Fun Facts
- Vivienne Westwood (1941–2022) was the queen of British punk fashion
- The Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legend is named Vivienne/Viviane
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Vivienne was born in 2008
Vivienne in Other Languages
Latin
Vivianus
French
Vivienne
Italian
Viviana
Spanish
Viviana
Japanese
ヴィヴィアン
Famous People Named Vivienne
V
Vivienne Westwood
Artist
1941
British fashion designer credited with bringing punk and new wave fashion to the mainstream
V
Vivien Leigh
Actor
1913
British actress who won two Academy Awards, including for Gone with the Wind
V
Vivienne (Lady of the Lake) Fictional
Other
Enchantress and Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legend who gave Excalibur to King Arthur
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #184
- Total SSA Count
- 1,633
- Cultural Origins
- French English Latin Arthurian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Viv
Vivi
Vi
Pairs Well With
Vivienne Rose
Vivienne Claire
Vivienne Anne
Vivienne Grace
Vivienne Louise
Vivienne Jane
Vivienne Pearl
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vivienne
What does the name Vivienne mean?
"alive, living" (from Latin). "full of life" (from French). Vivienne derives from the Latin 'vivus,' meaning 'alive' or 'living.' The French form Vivienne entered Arthurian legend as the name of the Lady of the Lake — the enchantress who raised Lancelot, gave Excalibur to King Arthur, and entrapped Merlin. This magical, powerful figure gave the name enduring mythological resonance. The French doubled 'n' spelling is considered the more elegant form.
What is the origin of the name Vivienne?
Vivienne has Latin, French, English, and Arthurian origins. In Latin, it means "alive, living". In French, it means "full of life".
Is Vivienne a boy or girl name?
Vivienne is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Vivienne?
Vivienne is pronounced v-IHV-ee-uhn.
How popular is the name Vivienne?
Vivienne is currently ranked #184 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Vivienne?
Common nicknames for Vivienne include Viv, Vivi, and Vi.
What are good middle names for Vivienne?
Popular middle name pairings include Vivienne Rose, Vivienne Claire, Vivienne Anne, Vivienne Grace, Vivienne Louise, Vivienne Jane, and Vivienne Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Vivienne?
Names that pair well with Vivienne as siblings include Sebastian, Dorian, Beatrice, Theodore, Arabella, Julian, and Cordelia.
How many syllables does Vivienne have?
Vivienne has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Vivienne a common or rare name?
Vivienne is a popular name, ranked #184 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Vivienne
Vivienne is a girl name with French, English, Latin, and Arthurian origins . The name means "alive, living" in Latin .
Vivienne is currently ranked #184 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Vivienne has 3 syllables and is pronounced v-IHV-ee-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Vivienne include Viv, Vivi, and Vi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Vivienne include Vivian, Viviana, Vivianna, Vivianne, Vivien . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.