Xerxes
Xerxes is a Old Persian, via Greek boy name meaning “Ruler over heroes”.
| Meaning | Ruler over heroes |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Old Persian, via Greek |
| Pronunciation | ZURK-seez |
| Muslim name? | Not a traditional Muslim name |
Meaning and origin of Xerxes
Xerxes is the Greek form of the Old Persian royal name Khshayarsha. The name is usually explained as ruling over heroes, combining an element meaning to rule with one generally interpreted as hero or brave man. Like many ancient names, the exact analysis is discussed by scholars, but this meaning is the most widely accepted. The name reached European languages through Greek historians, who wrote about the Persian kings, rather than through Persian itself.
The most famous bearer is Xerxes I, the Achaemenid king who led the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC, the campaign that included the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis. The name therefore belongs to pre-Islamic Iran. In modern Iran it survives in the Persian form Khashayar, which is a popular boy's name, while the Greek form Xerxes is used mainly by Parsis and Zoroastrians and occasionally in Western countries. In English it is pronounced ZURK-seez. It is not a traditional Muslim name, and families wanting a meaning of ruler or hero often look at Malik, Sultan, Amir or Shahid instead.
Famous people named Xerxes
- Xerxes I — Achaemenid king of Persia who invaded Greece in 480 BC
Is Xerxes a Muslim name?
No. Xerxes is a pre-Islamic Persian royal name and is not a traditional Muslim name. Families wanting a name meaning ruler or hero might consider Malik, Sultan or Batal instead.
Where is the name Xerxes used?
Rare as a given name; used among Parsis and Zoroastrians, while Iranians use the modern form Khashayar.
Gifts with the name Xerxes
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Spellings and variants of Xerxes
Muslim names similar to Xerxes
If you like the sound of Xerxes but want a name with an Islamic meaning, consider:
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More boy names like Xerxes
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Xerxes mean?
Xerxes means 'Ruler over heroes'. It comes from Old Persian, via Greek.
Is Xerxes a Muslim name?
No. Xerxes is a pre-Islamic Persian royal name and is not a traditional Muslim name. Families wanting a name meaning ruler or hero might consider Malik, Sultan or Batal instead.
How do you pronounce Xerxes?
Xerxes is pronounced ZURK-seez.
What is the Persian form of Xerxes?
The modern Persian form is Khashayar, from the Old Persian Khshayarsha.