Visitation notes that "the name of Vivian has been spelt with i or y indifferently. The very earliest record of the name in England, temp., Will. Conq., gives it Vivian. The use of the y began about the time of Edw. I., and has since been adopted by different branches of the family." Visitation also notes that "The name of Vivian was used as a prenomen in England as early as Will. Conqu" and then mentions Vivan de Molynes, son of William de Molynes. It is not known if that Vivian is mentioned purely as an example of the use of the name or as an indication that there is a possibility that the following family may have descended from him. It is not known if there was any connection with Vivonia/Vivonne in Poitou (mentioned here).