MallowbyNames

Vi

VEE · Short form of Violet, from the Latin viola, meaning 'violet flower'.

2025 rank (girls)
#13,208
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
1982
2025 frequency
1 in 267,878 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.

Popularity of Vi since 1916

Babies named Vi per year in U.S. Social Security records.

102131192019602000Most births 1982GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s50
1920s100
1930s50
1940s130
1950s440
1960s300
1970s260
1980s25170
1990s21955
2000s1900
2010s1070
2020s620

Meaning & origin

Vi is a short, punchy name that has been in use as an independent given name since at least 1916. Its highest popularity came in 1982, when it reached its peak year. Although it has never been a common name, it has remained stable in use, often chosen as a nickname for Violet. Vi's appeal lies in its simplicity and vintage charm, fitting a modern trend toward concise, two-letter names. It is rarely used as a standalone name but has a loyal following among parents seeking a classic alternative to longer names.

Vi is a diminutive of Violet, which comes from the Latin viola, the name of the violet flower. Violet has been used as a given name in English since the 19th century, and Vi emerged as a nickname in the early 20th. It has also been used as a standalone name, particularly in the United States.

Sibling names for Vi

Names that share Vi's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Violet, Ruby, Iris, Stella, Mae

Brothers: Jack, Leo, Oscar, Finn, Theo, Bleu

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

V is for Vi, our favorite little girl.

V is for Vi…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Vi's letter becomes Vi's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Vi's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Vi mean?
Vi is typically a short form of Violet, which means 'violet flower' from the Latin viola.
How popular is the name Vi?
As of 2025, Vi ranks 13,208th in the United States, with about 1 in 267,878 newborn girls given the name.
Is Vi a girl's name?
Vi is almost exclusively used for girls, as a diminutive of Violet and other feminine names.