Re: Vivian/Vivienne/Vivien
in reply to a message by Leah
I pronounce Vivian and Vivien the same way. Once I found out that traditionally Vivian was male and Vivien was female, I settled on the Vivien spelling for a girl. The Vivien Leigh association is a plus.
Vivienne, on the other hand, I tend to use the French "viv-ee-ENN" pronunciation for. I use the English pronunciaiton for Adrienne, so I don't know why my brain doesn't do the same for Vivienne. And I wouldn't think twice if I heard Vivienne being pronounced the same as Vivian / Vivien. It's just an odd quirk in my mind.
As for which one I would use as a mn for Elaina (prefer Elena), I suppose Vivien. Elaina looks very English to me so Vivien fits the bill. I reserve Vivian for boys only.
Vivienne, on the other hand, I tend to use the French "viv-ee-ENN" pronunciation for. I use the English pronunciaiton for Adrienne, so I don't know why my brain doesn't do the same for Vivienne. And I wouldn't think twice if I heard Vivienne being pronounced the same as Vivian / Vivien. It's just an odd quirk in my mind.
As for which one I would use as a mn for Elaina (prefer Elena), I suppose Vivien. Elaina looks very English to me so Vivien fits the bill. I reserve Vivian for boys only.