Vivien or Vivienne?

[DivineInspiration]

I prefer the former spelling because it just looks less 'frilly', but have been told by a few people that if they heard the name they'd automatically assume it was spelled Vivienne so I should just go with that. What's the general consensus on this? Will the Jolie-Pitt association or whatever else mean people assume the -enne version?

Others on the list are Ramona, Greta, Ava and Lotta. I've been set on Vivien for a few months now, but have always loved Ramona and Greta, though not sure whether I'm brave enough to use them. They don't really work as middle names.

I agree with you. I tend to prefer the less frilly options (eg Annabel rather than Annabelle). Here too.

I love Vivien but prefer it spelt Vivienne. I love Ramona!! it is brilliant!

Vivien is lovely and I agree re less frilly.

I prefer Vivienne and what the hell if its slightly frillier?!?? - you only get to name her once

My cousin is called Vivian. I've never seen it spelled Vivienne before.

Its a lovely name I think. I like all the names in your OP actually.

which is the boy version? I thought Vivian but could be wrong

Vivian is the boy version - my Mum is Vivienne.

I prefer Vivien, though they are both lovely. perhaps Vivienne would give less spelling trouble. You've got great taste in names!

I like the longer spelling, dunno why. Also, my friend is called Ramona (her mother is Spanish) and it's a fab name, love it!

Vivian is for a boy and has a different prononciation. Vivienne is gorgeous and feminine.

Always thought Vivien was male version, even so I much prefer Vivienne.

Adore Ramona btw, I've only ever heard of one. Really really stunning.

Dont like Greta or Lotta though and Avas nice but just "nice" and theres loads.

Strange that so many think that Vivian is the male version.

My cousin is female and called Vivian. She is in her 60s, so it cannot be a new thing.

I think dc3 is probably a boy, but if a girl we want to use Viv- something as it is a male family name (but i don't really like it for boys)

Our male relative was Vivian. I thought that was originally the male version but changed some time ago. For example, Vivien Leigh was actually born (in 1913) Vivian.

So you can use any. Think we would probably go for Vivien, to be closer to the relative, but probably think vivienne prettier. But actually the number of different spellings puts me off the name a bit; must be annoying to always have to spell the correct version of your name. Mind you, clare/claires and catherine etc seem to manage...

Vyvyan anyone? described in my baby name book as a 'fanciful spelling'. does that mean naff?!

I think both versions can be used - but prefer Vivien. (With Vivian you might get "Is that Vivi-Anne??"). Also prefer Vivien to Vivienne, unless you are going to have lots of French-style emphasis on the 'enne' bit.

Viviana!

Thanks for the opinions, everybody! I have a name which can be legitimately spelled in a couple of different ways, and people almost always manage to get the one I'm not, so I'm possibly a bit over-precious about it not happening to my DD. It's not the end of the world, but it can be a hassle when it happens on formal-ish things.

Vivien has a bit of a meaningful reason behind it; Ramona is just because I read a lot of Beverley Cleary as a child! Not quite the same, is it. Still can't decide. With Greta it's the whole 'Gret-ah/Greet-ah/Grey-tah' thing that puts me off a bit.

Somebody told me too that Vivian was the boy's version; though it probably doesn't matter anyway, since I doubt there are very many little boys named Vivian nowadays.