Vivian
VIV-ee-an
A name with roots in “life,” also linked in one tradition to a Cornish place-name meaning “small water.”
Meaning
In the Latin name tradition, Vivian is connected with *vivus* and *vitalis*, giving the sense of “alive,” “lively,” or “life-giving.” One excerpt also gives a Cornish explanation, deriving it from *vy-vian*, meaning “the small water,” so the name may carry a local-place origin as well as a Latin one. Historically it has been used for both men and women.
Origin
LatinEnglishCornishvaries by culture
Fun fact
Medieval and Arthurian tradition includes Viviana or Vyvian as the enchantress of King Arthur’s court.