Viridiana

Meaning of Viridiana

Viridiana is a feminine given name of Classical Latin provenance, formed from the adjective viridis (“green”) coupled with the suffix -iana to denote belonging or relation, and adopted into Spanish with the pronunciation vee-ree-dee-AH-nah (/ˈvi.ri.ði.a.na/). Analytically, its semantic core resides in connotations of verdure, renewal and botanical vitality, reflecting an etymological precision that appeals to parents seeking a name both distinctive and rooted in natural imagery. The name’s presence in Hispanic culture was further cemented by its titular role in Luis Buñuel’s 1961 film, which, notwithstanding its controversial narrative, enhanced Viridiana’s visibility within Anglo-American and Latino artistic circles. In the United States, Social Security Administration data trace Viridiana’s initial entries to the early 1970s, a gradual ascension through the subsequent decades culminating in a peak of 233 recorded births (ranked 627) in 1995, followed by a steady descent to 20 occurrences (ranked 930) by 2024—statistics that underscore both its niche appeal and its enduring if modest usage.

Pronunciation

Spanish

• Pronunced as vee-ree-dee-AH-nah (/ˈvi.ri.ði.a.na/)

• Valeria
• Veronica
• Viviana
• Valentina
• Vanessa
• Victoria
• Violeta