Vivian.... oh Vivian.....

December192009

DH and I have LOVED this name through all three pregnancies (we are finally having a girl). My FIL claimed it was a "hussy" and  a "loose woman's name". This weekend we told him it was at the top of our list, and that he just needs to get over it... We just happened to turn on Pretty Woman tonight.... Vivian is Julia Robert's character's name- you know, the PROSTITUTE! For us, it's now a definite no, and it looks like we'll have to let FIL know that he was so right. Back to the drawing board!

cwie828

I don't associate the name Vivian with "loose women" at all. The character in Pretty Woman is a sweet, naive girl just trying to make a place in the world. I like the spelling Vivienne better though with the nn Vivi.

What about Violet?

juniper19

Vivian is a lovely name and your reason for not using it is ridiculous.

cschlomann

LOVE Vivian!

Heartcease

I would have asked your FIL how he knew it was a loose woman's name.  I always think of a sophisticated, glamorous woman when I hear the name.  It was also the name of the Lady of the Lake in King Arthur. 

emikat

I don't make that association at all.  First thought was Vivian Leigh.  

BitsKD13

Vivian is a great name and if you're not going to use it because of one, not very good movie, then it's your loss.  It has such a great meaning!  

Vivian was one of the names DH and I had on our girl list for a long time.

ETA: And if you remember the movie the character ends up being/becoming more than just a prostitute.   

HannahO28

I've heard the "loose woman" association for Vivian before, and I'm pretty sure people are only getting that from the movie Pretty Woman. 

I think it's a gorgeous name and it's a shame you're giving up on it.  

Puppylove*85

juniper19:

Vivian is a lovely name and your reason for not using it is ridiculous.

Ditto.

joyfullyfound

LOVE Vivian... don't give up on it! There's also Violet and Virginia,which are similar

ObLaDi

BitsKD13:

Vivian is a great name and if you're not going to use it because of one, not very good movie, then it's your loss.  It has such a great meaning!  

I love Pretty Woman! And definitely wouldn't rule out Vivian because of it.

BitsKD13

ObLaDi:

BitsKD13:

Vivian is a great name and if you're not going to use it because of one, not very good movie, then it's your loss.  It has such a great meaning!  

I love Pretty Woman! And definitely wouldn't rule out Vivian because of it.

I'm not saying the movie is terrible... just not great.  Julia Roberts has done some wonderful films, but to me Pretty Woman isn't one of them. 

MAMAxB

juniper19:

Vivian is a lovely name and your reason for not using it is ridiculous.

This. 

I think if you *really* loved the name for that long - this would not change your mind.

Vivian is a beautiful name. 

felish06

I think Vivian is such a strong name! I wouldn't name my baby that, but it is a very beautiful name.

I think you should think about what you are deciding! It's your choice, but I think if you've liked it that long you will regret not using it!  

IrishTraveler

Vivian Jane is our top pick for a girl right now...and want to know where I got the inspiration? Yep, THAT movie.

Laurakat81

I never would have associated Vivian with a "loose woman". It's NMS as it reminds me of a grandmother but definitely jot a prostitute! I don't think many people remember that was Julia's character's name.

WashingtonQueen

MAMAxB:

juniper19:

Vivian is a lovely name and your reason for not using it is ridiculous.

This. 

I think if you *really* loved the name for that long - this would not change your mind.

Vivian is a beautiful name. 

Yep and yep!

Kristine Schilling

before that movie Vivian and Viviana have always been a "high brow" family name. You know, associated with children and women in well off families.

DawnJM25

One of my close friends has Vivian at the top of her girl list.  I never would have associated it with a prostitute or loose woman- I think it's a really cute name!

schnappycat

That movie is, what, 20 years old now? Seriously, very few people under 30 would immediately associate the name and the movie. 

I have a very well-off, educated friend with a little girl named Vivian. About as far from "loose" as you can get. So I associate the name with her, not the movie (which I loved).

I really don't think you need to worry much. The name is becoming popular enough and the movie old enough that most people are not going to assume that was your inspiration. Plus, it's a classic name with other associations (Vivan Leigh), and not some trendy, made up name that could ONLY be from the movie.

I think your FIL is wrong and you are way too quick to toss it out, especially if you have loved it for a long time.  

stahlop

I know two Vivian's, both in high school, so I don't get that association at all.  And for some reason, even though I own Pretty Woman, I never remember that that is Julia Robert's character's name until I'm watching the movie.  For some reason her name is just not memorable from the movie.  I agree with PP's that Vivian evokes more of an upper class, glamorous quality.

harrison1127

Puppylove*85:

juniper19:

Vivian is a lovely name and your reason for not using it is ridiculous.

Ditto.

Agreed

WiFeY 4 LiFeY

juniper19:

Vivian is a lovely name and your reason for not using it is ridiculous.

I agree.. I think your reasoning is a little odd

Magenta728

I LOVE the name Vivian. I would never associate it with "loose women." I agree with pps that it's silly for you to give up on that name bc of an old movie. People still name their children "Michael" even though there is a famous movie killer named Michael Myers.

FirstBabyMomma

I think Vivian from Fresh Prince- that woman was one classy lady!

jcsntms06

I really like the name Vivian. This was my grandmother's name and we hope to use it as our DD's middle name. Another reason why I don't share names with my family. If you like the name, use it.

MySallyGirl

FirstBabyMomma:

I think Vivian from Fresh Prince- that woman was one classy lady!

 

lol I thought this first as well.  I wouldn't associate it with pretty woman at all and I think that's a dumb reason not to use the name.