What Does the Name Vivienne Mean?
Vivienne means "alive" or "lively," from the Latin adjective vivus ("alive"). It is the French feminine form of Vivianus, a Late Latin name built on the same root.
The Origin & History of Vivienne
Vivianus and its feminine form Viviana were used in the Roman Empire and were carried into wider circulation by two early Christian female martyrs and a male saint and bishop. The French spelling Vivienne developed as the language's own rendering of the Latin original and has been used in France for centuries.
Cultural Reach
The name has strong associations with fashion, most notably designer Vivienne Westwood, and gained a further high-profile boost when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their daughter Vivienne Marcheline in 2008.
Famous People Named Vivienne
Notable bearers include Vivienne Westwood, the British fashion designer known for punk and new wave style, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Nicknames & Variations
Viv and Vivi are the most common nicknames. Related forms across languages include Vivian, Vivien, Viviana, and Bibiana.
Is Vivienne a Good Name in 2026?
Vivienne offers a classic French elegance with a built-in casual nickname in Viv, and its rising use over the past two decades suggests it will stay fashionable well beyond 2026.