What does Xerxes mean and where does it come from?
The name Xerxes is derived from the Old Persian name 'Khashayarsha'. It was borne by King Xerxes I of Persia (reigned 486-465 BC), known for his invasion of Greece and for his vast empire. The name is well known in historical contexts, often associated with themes of power and leadership. Xerxes has
Cultural significance
Xerxes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old persian.
Peak popularity
Reached #4270 in 1975 — currently #5900 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Xerxes?
Xerxes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Xerxes Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Xerxes Rose
Floral · soft ending
Xerxes Mae
Sweet · timeless
Xerxes Claire
French influence · crisp
Xerxes Jane
Literary · strong
Xerxes Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Xerxes right now?
Falling — down 279 spots — currently #5900 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5900 | 16 | ▼ down 279 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #5621 | 17 | ▲ up 702 · +21% births |
| 2021 | #6323 | 14 | ▲ up 1270 · +40% births |
| 2020 | #7593 | 10 | ▼ down 1496 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #6097 | 14 | ▲ up 1652 · +40% births |
| 2010 | #7749 | 10 | ▲ up 3081 · +100% births |
| 2000 | #10830 | 5 | ▼ down 1465 |
| 1995 | #9365 | 5 | ▼ down 5095 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #4270 | 8 | — |
The story of Xerxes
Xerxes is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 220 total births recorded, Xerxes remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4270 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5900 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Xerxes in 1975:
Xerxes by decade
Xerxes peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 14 | |
| 1980s | 22 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 48 | |
| 2010s ★ | 116 | |
| 2020s | 10 | |
💎Xerxes has only 220 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Xerxes?
What names sound and feel like Xerxes?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Xerxes also consider these
How is Xerxes written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Xerxes
What does the name Xerxes mean?
Xerxes means "Old Persian" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Xerxes?
Xerxes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Xerxes have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Xerxes?
Xerxes originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Xerxes?
Xerxes is a two-syllable name pronounced Z ER1 K S IY0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Xerxes trending right now?
Xerxes is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.