Viviana

This name comes from the Latin “vīvus” (alive) linked to the imperial Latin “Vivianus,” which means “he has life.” However, it can also be a derivative of the Roman cognomen “Vibianus,” probably of Etruscan origin, but of unknown meaning. The English male version of the name Vivian is attested since the Middle Ages. At the same time, its feminine use is more recent and maybe an anglicization of “Bébinn” or Vivien’s variant. The Bibiana version, on the other hand, represents a version of Viviana, still in use thanks to the devotion to St. Bibiana, a young Roman Christian who suffered martyrdom under Flavius Claudius Julian. The name day is celebrated on December 2. We also remember St. Vivianus, Bishop of Saintes on August 28, Saint Vivian, a martyr in Armenia, commemorated on March 10, and Saint Vivian, abbot of Altacomba, honored on May 20.