"hero among kings"
Origin: Old Persian
Language: Persian
Xerxes
Pronunciation: [ z-ERKS-eez ]
Does Xerxes flow with your last name?
Ancient Persian emperor name of legendary power
Persian
Ancient Greek
Historical Western
Bold
Royal
Unique
Strong
Vintage
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the villain in the 2006 film 300, portrayed as a tyrannical god-king
The Story of Xerxes
Xerxes derives from Old Persian Xshayarsha, composed of xshaya (king, ruling) and arshan (man, hero), meaning ruler over heroes or hero among kings. The name passed through Greek when historians like Herodotus documented the Persian Empire. It was the name of two Achaemenid emperors, most famously Xerxes I who ruled 486-465 BCE and whose invasion of Greece was chronicled in detail by Herodotus.
Xerxes has never been common in English-speaking countries, but saw renewed cultural attention after the 2006 film 300 portrayed Xerxes I as a flamboyant antagonist against Spartan warriors. Despite the villainous portrayal, it gave the name modern recognition among those who appreciate bold historical names.
In Persian culture and Iran, Xerxes (known as Khashayar in Persian) remains a celebrated historical name, honoring the Achaemenid emperor who ruled one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from Egypt to India.
Historical Record
Xerxes first appeared in US Social Security records in 1974.
Over 287 babies have been named Xerxes in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Xerxes is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,195 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Xerxes I led the largest ancient military invasion of Greece in 480 BCE
- The name appears in the Bible book of Esther as Ahasuerus, identified by scholars as Xerxes I
- Xerxes I built the magnificent Persepolis palace complex, still standing in Iran today
Xerxes in Other Languages
Greek
Xerxes
Arabic
Khashayarsha
French
Xerxes
Persian
Khashayar
Spanish
Jerjes
Popularity Over Time
#5,195
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Xerxes
X
Xerxes I of Persia
Royalty
Fourth king of the Achaemenid Empire who led the famous invasion of Greece in 480 BCE
X
Xerxes II of Persia
Royalty
Briefly ruled the Achaemenid Empire in 424 BCE before being assassinated after only 45 days
X
Xerxes Fictional
Other
Fictional villain portrayed in the 2006 film 300, depicted as a self-proclaimed god-king of Persia
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,195
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Persian Ancient Greek Historical Western
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
X
Xer
Zee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Xerxes
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Xerxes
What does the name Xerxes mean?
"hero among kings" (from Old Persian). Xerxes derives from Old Persian Xshayarsha, composed of xshaya (king, ruling) and arshan (man, hero), meaning ruler over heroes or hero among kings. The name passed through Greek when historians like Herodotus documented the Persian Empire. It was the name of two Achaemenid emperors, most famously Xerxes I who ruled 486-465 BCE and whose invasion of Greece was chronicled in detail by Herodotus.
What is the origin of the name Xerxes?
Xerxes has Old Persian, Persian, Ancient Greek, and Historical Western origins. In Old Persian, it means "hero among kings".
Is Xerxes a boy or girl name?
Xerxes is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Xerxes?
Xerxes is pronounced z-ERKS-eez.
How popular is the name Xerxes?
Xerxes is currently ranked #5195 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Xerxes?
Common nicknames for Xerxes include Xer and Zee.
What are good middle names for Xerxes?
Popular middle name pairings include Xerxes Alexander, Xerxes James, Xerxes Leo, Xerxes Maximus, Xerxes Augustus, and Xerxes Victor.
What are good sibling names for Xerxes?
Names that pair well with Xerxes as siblings include Cyrus, Darius, Artemis, Zara, Leonidas, Athena, and Cyra.
How many syllables does Xerxes have?
Xerxes has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Xerxes a common or rare name?
Xerxes is an uncommon name, ranked #5195 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Xerxes
Xerxes is a boy name with Persian, Ancient Greek, and Historical Western origins . The name means "hero among kings" in Old Persian .
Xerxes is currently ranked #5,195 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Xerxes has 2 syllables and is pronounced z-ERKS-eez, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Xerxes include X, Xer, and Zee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis