Xerxes

The first name Xerxes, also called Xérxēs (Ξέρξης), is the Ancient Greek version of the Old Persian name Khshayarsha (خشایار).

What does the name Xerxes mean?

Xerxes, in the form Xérxēs (Ξέρξης), is the Ancient Greek derivation of the Old Persian Khshayarsha (خشایار). Translated, the name means 'the ruler over heroes' as well as 'the ruler among kings'. The roots of the name lie in the Old Persian term Xšayarša (𐎧𐏁𐎹𐎠𐎼𐏁𐎠), which means 'ruling over heroes'. A prominent bearer of this name is the Old Persian king Xerxes I, who attempted to conquer Greece but was defeated at the Battle of Salamis. The Czech variant is Xerxés and the French variant is Xerxès. Additionally, the name is also associated with the biblical Hebrew king Ahasuerus (אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ) from the Book of Esther.

Where does the name Xerxes come from?

The name Xerxes has Old Persian origins and means 'the ruler over heroes'.

How do you pronounce Xerxes?

The pronunciation of Xerxes is two syllables and has an exotic sound. It is typically pronounced as 'Xer-xes' [ˈksɛʁksɛs], with the repeated 'x' connection creating a distinctive and almost cutting sound structure. The symmetrical arrangement of the sounds enhances the impressive character of the name. Xerxes conveys an extraordinary and dominant presence – a name with historical significance and phonetic uniqueness.

Popularity

In Germany, Xerxes is a rather rare first name. Currently, it ranks 5,840th among the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2015 at 3,527th. Over the last ten years, the name has been given about 20 times, placing it 6,103rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 6,518th.

Nicknames & pet names

Xerx / Xerxy

Famous people

• Xerxes (Persian god-king)
• Xerxes Break (character from 'Pandora Hearts')
• Xerxes Byram Avari (sailor from Guatemala)
• Xerxes de Oliveira (Brazilian musician)