The name Viridiana has its origins in Latin and Spanish. It is derived from the Latin word "viridis," meaning "green" or "verdant." The name likely emerged during the medieval period in Spain or other regions influenced by Latin and Romance languages.

Viridiana was a relatively uncommon name in ancient times, but it gained some popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the 13th-century Spanish text "Cantigas de Santa Maria," a collection of religious poems and songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The name Viridiana may have been inspired by the reverence for nature and the color green, which symbolized fertility, renewal, and the lushness of the natural world. In some contexts, the name was also associated with the idea of freshness, youth, and vitality.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Viridiana. One of the earliest recorded was Viridiana de Guadalajara (c. 1200-1270), a Spanish nun and mystic who was known for her visions and spiritual writings. Another early bearer of the name was Viridiana de Sevilla (c. 1300-1370), a Franciscan tertiary and religious scholar from Seville, Spain.

In the 16th century, Viridiana de Guzmán (1510-1589) was a Spanish noblewoman and philanthropist who founded several hospitals and charitable institutions in her native Andalusia. During the same period, Viridiana de Mendoza (1525-1591) was a prominent figure in the Spanish court, serving as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabella of Portugal.

In more recent times, Viridiana was the title character of the 1961 Mexican film "Viridiana" directed by Luis Buñuel. The film, which explored themes of religious devotion and moral ambiguity, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is considered a masterpiece of Spanish cinema.