Xerxes

“Old Persian” — Associated with themes of power and leadership

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#5900US 2023

16Births / yr

↓Falling

220All-time births

📅 Since 197400

How to pronounce Xerxes

ZER·kseez

/ˈzɝ.ksiːz/ · stress on ZER · 2 syllables

“Old Persian”

Associated with themes of power and leadership · Greece origin

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.

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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

How popular is Xerxes right now?

Falling — down 279 spots — currently #5900 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#5900 · Top 4.4%

1975

1995

2000

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Xerxes

Best Year1975Rank #4270

Peak Count17

Average Rank#7083

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 20239 years

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:

Michael Jason Christopher James David

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?

Common

XerXeErxes

What names sound and feel like Xerxes?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Xerxes also consider these

Hermes

Greek · Ἑρμῆς - derived

Xeryus

Unknown · a modern variation,

Berges

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Nerses

Armenia · Compassionate

lenes

Greece · a variant of

Ermes

German · A German name

Erbes

German · A German name

Vernes

France · green, fresh

How is Xerxes written in other languages?

Khshayarsha

ANCIENT PERSIAN

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.