The name Vivian has its origins in the Latin language and dates back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin name Vivianus, which in turn comes from the Latin word "vivus" meaning "alive" or "lively." The name was initially given as a surname to families associated with the concept of liveliness or vigor.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Vivian as a given name can be found in the 5th century AD, when it was borne by a Gallo-Roman aristocrat named Vivianus who served as a consul in the Western Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the name Vivian gained popularity as a masculine name in various parts of Europe, particularly in France and England.

One notable historical figure with the name Vivian was Vivian of Foro-Corneliense, a 5th-century bishop and saint from modern-day Italy. Another was Vivian of Gaul, a 5th-century hermit and saint who lived in what is now France. In the 12th century, there was Vivian, a French cardinal and theologian who played a significant role in the Third Crusade.

During the Renaissance period, the name Vivian began to be used as a feminine name as well. One of the earliest recorded examples of a woman named Vivian was Viviana Calchi, an Italian painter and engraver who lived in the 16th century. In the 17th century, there was Viviana Guzman, a Spanish actress and dancer who performed in the court of King Philip IV.

In literature, the name Vivian has been used for both male and female characters. One notable example is Vivian, a character in Edmund Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie Queene," published in the late 16th century. Another is Vivian, a female character in the Arthurian legends, who is often depicted as the Lady of the Lake or a powerful enchantress.

Some other famous individuals with the name Vivian throughout history include Vivian Fuchs (1908-1999), an English explorer and geologist who led the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition; Vivian Leigh (1913-1967), an English actress who won two Academy Awards for her performances in "Gone with the Wind" and "A Streetcar Named Desire"; and Vivian Vance (1909-1979), an American actress best known for her role as Ethel Mertz on the sitcom "I Love Lucy."