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Origin and meaning of the name Xerxes

What is the origin of the name Xerxes?

The name Xerxes has Persian origins and is associated with the Achaemenid Empire, specifically with the Great King of Persia, Xerxes I (486-465 BC). His native name was "Khshayarsha" which translates to "He who holds the Throne with Power". The Greek version of this name is Xerxes. This name became widely recognized during his military campaigns in 480 and 479 BC, which are detailed in Herodotus' Histories.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Xerxes

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Xerxes

The name Xerxes is an ancient Persian monarch's name, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE). Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was a king who reigned over the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BCE. The name is thought to have originated from the Old Persian words "Xshayārsha" or "Khshayarsha," meaning "ruling all that is right and proper."

In Greek, Xerxes' name was translated as "Xeros," which means "dry" or "without moisture." This translation may have come from the Persian custom of naming the firstborn son after a heroic ancestor. In Xerxes' case, it was Darius the Great, whose name meant "possessing good advice." Despite the Greek interpretation, Xerxes remains a significant historical figure due to his military campaigns against Greece during the Greco-Persian Wars, leaving a lasting impact on Persian and Western history.

Character traits associated with the name Xerxes

Xerxes, a name synonymous with grandeur and ambition, is often associated with strong leadership and strategic acumen. Historically known as the Persian king who led the second Persian invasion of Greece, Xerxes demonstrated an unyielding will to expand his empire. This drive for power, coupled with a keen sense of organization, marked him as a strategic leader and planner. He is also associated with immense pride and arrogance, as evidenced by his destruction of the Hellespont bridge when it failed during his crossing. Despite these qualities, Xerxes' reign also illustrates vulnerability and indecision, as seen in his eventual defeat at the Battle of Plataea. Overall, Xerxes embodies a complex blend of strength, ambition, pride, and weakness, making him an intriguing figure in historical literature.

Popularity of the name Xerxes

Xerxes, an ancient Persian name with royal origins, is relatively uncommon in modern Western societies. The name, which originated from the Achaemenid Empire, is primarily associated with King Xerxes I (486-465 BC) and Xerxes II (424-404 BC), two Persian rulers of significant historical importance. In recent times, the usage of the name Xerxes has been sparse, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it is mostly found among those with a particular interest in history or Persian culture. Nonetheless, the name carries an air of antiquity and regality that some individuals may find appealing for naming their child. Its rarity gives Xerxes a unique quality, making it stand out from more commonly used names.

Famous people with the name Xerxes

Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was an ancient Persian king who reigned from 486 BC to 465 BC. He was the son of Darius I and Artystone, and succeeded his father after Darius's death in battle against the Scythians. Xerxes is best known for leading the second Persian invasion of Greece during the Greco-Persian Wars, an event that has been immortalized in works such as Herodotus' "The Histories" and Aeschylus' play, "The Persians." The Battle of Thermopylae, where a small Greek force held off Xerxes' massive army for three days, is one of the most famous episodes from this invasion. Despite the Greeks' initial success, Xerxes ultimately defeated them at the Battle of Plataea, marking the end of the Persian threat to Greece in that century.

Variations of the name Xerxes

Xerxes, a historic Persian name, has several variations and spellings across different cultures and languages. Here are some of them:

1. Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) was the fourth son of Darius the Great and succeeded his father as the Emperor of the Achaemenid Empire in 486 BC. His Persian name is also spelled as Khshayarsha or Khsayarsha.
2. Xerxes II (Darius Codomannus) was a king of Persia, ruling for only five days in 405 BC. He is known by several other names including Darius III, Sogdian Rock, and Dara.
3. Xerxes III (Artaxerxes II Mnemon) reigned from 404 to 359 BC as the King of Persia and was a son of Artaxerxes I. He is also called Artaxerxes Mnemon in some records.
4. Xerxes IV (Artaxerxes III Ochos) ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 358 to 338 BC. He was also known as Artaxerxes Ochus or Artaxerxes the Great in some historical texts.
5. Variations of Xerxes' name can be found in other languages, such as Kharjasir or Xarxes in Aramaic, Xerxes in Greek and Latin, and Shahr-e-Khorshid (Sun King) in modern Persian, which refers to the mythical Xerxes I.

These variations showcase the cultural diversity and historical significance of the name Xerxes throughout time.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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