"foreigner, guest"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Xena
Pronunciation: [ z-EEN-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,297 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A Greek warrior name with legendary pop culture power
Greek
American
Bold
Strong
Modern
Unique
Whimsical
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the 1995-2001 TV series Xena: Warrior Princess; some may find this reference dated
The Story of Xena
Xena is derived from the Greek xenos meaning stranger, guest, or foreigner, related to the concept of xenia — the sacred Greek tradition of hospitality to strangers. The root also appears in words like xenophobia. While the name existed in ancient Greece, it became internationally known through the syndicated TV series Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001), which became a cult classic known for its female empowerment themes.
Xena appeared on the US baby name charts in the late 1990s following the success of Xena: Warrior Princess. The show's protagonist was a powerful female warrior, making the name a choice for parents who wanted to give their daughter a name associated with strength and independence.
Xena: Warrior Princess had enormous cultural impact on LGBTQ representation in media — the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle was one of television's first prominent same-sex relationships, even if coded. The show became a touchstone for a generation of feminist and queer viewers.
Fun Facts
- Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) was filmed almost entirely in New Zealand and became a global phenomenon
- The Greek concept of xenia (sacred hospitality to strangers) was fundamental to ancient Greek society and considered a gift from Zeus
Xena in Other Languages
Greek
Ξένα
Russian
Ксена
Spanish
Xena
Japanese
ゼナ
Famous People Named Xena
X
Xena the Warrior Princess Fictional
Other
Legendary fictional warrior princess from the 1995-2001 TV series, played by Lucy Lawless, a symbol of female strength
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,297
- Total SSA Count
- 178
- Cultural Origins
- Greek American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Zee
Pairs Well With
Xena Rose
Xena Jade
Xena Storm
Xena Blaze
Xena Leigh
Xena Marie
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Xena
What does the name Xena mean?
"foreigner, guest" (from Greek). Xena is derived from the Greek xenos meaning stranger, guest, or foreigner, related to the concept of xenia — the sacred Greek tradition of hospitality to strangers. The root also appears in words like xenophobia. While the name existed in ancient Greece, it became internationally known through the syndicated TV series Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001), which became a cult classic known for its female empowerment themes.
What is the origin of the name Xena?
Xena has Greek and American origins. In Greek, it means "foreigner, guest".
Is Xena a boy or girl name?
Xena is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Xena?
Xena is pronounced z-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Xena?
Xena is currently ranked #1297 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Xena?
Common nicknames for Xena include Zee.
What are good middle names for Xena?
Popular middle name pairings include Xena Rose, Xena Jade, Xena Storm, Xena Blaze, Xena Leigh, and Xena Marie.
What are good sibling names for Xena?
Names that pair well with Xena as siblings include Zara, Athena, Lyra, Orion, Ajax, and Titan.
How many syllables does Xena have?
Xena has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Xena a common or rare name?
Xena is an uncommon name, ranked #1297 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Xena
Xena is a girl name with Greek and American origins . The name means "foreigner, guest" in Greek .
Xena is currently ranked #1,297 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Xena has 2 syllables and is pronounced z-EEN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Xena include Zee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Xena include Xenia . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.