Xenia

Pronunciation: [ z-EEN-ee-uh ]

Girl Name #3,324 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

An ancient Greek virtue name embodying sacred hospitality

Greek Russian Eastern European English

Classic Elegant Unique Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"stranger, foreigner (from xenos)"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

Things to Know About This Name

The X spelling may cause pronunciation confusion for English speakers unfamiliar with Greek pronunciation

The Story of Xenia

Xenia comes from the ancient Greek word xenos, meaning stranger or guest, from which we derive xenophobia and xenon. Xenia was the sacred Greek concept of hospitality and the guest-friendship between host and traveler, considered a sacred duty protected by Zeus Xenios. To violate xenia was to offend the gods themselves.

Xenia has never been a mainstream English name but has maintained steady use in Greek, Russian, and Eastern European communities. The action heroine Xenia Onatopp from the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye brought brief attention to the name in English-speaking countries, as did the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess.

Xenia (hospitality) was one of the most important virtues in ancient Greek culture, as sacred as worship itself. Homer's Odyssey and Iliad are filled with examples of xenia being honored or violated. In the Russian Orthodox tradition, Xenia of Saint Petersburg (Ksenia) is a revered 18th-century saint known for her acts of Christian charity.

Fun Facts

Xenia was the ancient Greek concept of sacred hospitality, so important it was protected by Zeus himself
Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg is one of the most beloved Orthodox Christian saints in Russia
The element xenon (Xe) and the word xenophobia both share the same Greek root xenos as the name Xenia

Xenia in Other Languages

Greek Ξένια

Latin Xenia

Russian Ксения

Spanish Xenia

Ukrainian Ксенія

Famous People Named Xenia

Xenia Tchoumitcheva

Business

1987

Swiss-Russian model, actress, and entrepreneur named Miss Switzerland 2007

Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg

Religious

18th-century Russian Orthodox Christian saint, known for her acts of selfless charity after becoming a wandering fool fo...

18th-century Russian Orthodox Christian saint, known for her acts of selfless charity after becoming a wandering fool for Christ

Xenia Onatopp Fictional

Other

The villain of the James Bond film GoldenEye (1995), played by Famke Janssen

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #3,324
Total SSA Count: 47
Cultural Origins: Greek Russian Eastern European English
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Xeni Zee Nia Zeni

Pairs Well With

Xenia Marie Xenia Grace Xenia Sophia Xenia Rose Xenia Elise Xenia Aurora Xenia Celeste

Sibling Names

Xander Zephyr Athena Daphne Leila Cassius Clio

Similar Names

Helena Serena Celina Selina Sena Zena Melina Alena

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Xenia

What does the name Xenia mean?

"stranger, foreigner (from xenos)" (from Greek). Xenia comes from the ancient Greek word xenos, meaning stranger or guest, from which we derive xenophobia and xenon. Xenia was the sacred Greek concept of hospitality and the guest-friendship between host and traveler, considered a sacred duty protected by Zeus Xenios. To violate xenia was to offend the gods themselves.

What is the origin of the name Xenia?

Xenia has Greek, Russian, Eastern European, and English origins. In Greek, it means "stranger, foreigner (from xenos)".

Is Xenia a boy or girl name?

Xenia is primarily used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Xenia?

Xenia is pronounced z-EEN-ee-uh.

How popular is the name Xenia?

Xenia is currently ranked #3324 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Xenia?

Common nicknames for Xenia include Xeni, Zee, Nia, and Zeni.

What are good middle names for Xenia?

Popular middle name pairings include Xenia Marie, Xenia Grace, Xenia Sophia, Xenia Rose, Xenia Elise, Xenia Aurora, and Xenia Celeste.

What are good sibling names for Xenia?

Names that pair well with Xenia as siblings include Xander, Zephyr, Athena, Daphne, Leila, Cassius, and Clio.

How many syllables does Xenia have?

Xenia has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Xenia a common or rare name?

Xenia is an uncommon name, ranked #3324 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Xenia

Xenia is a girl name with Greek, Russian, Eastern European, and English origins . The name means "stranger, foreigner (from xenos)" in Greek .

Xenia is currently ranked #3,324 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Xenia has 3 syllables and is pronounced z-EEN-ee-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Xenia include Xeni, Zee, Nia, and Zeni. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.