Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Xena

Xena

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZEE-nah /ˈziː.nΙ™/Low

Meaning: Guest, stranger, foreignerLow

In 30 seconds: Xena is a Greek name meaning guest or stranger, from xenos. It gained global recognition as the name of the warrior princess in the 1990s TV series Xena: Warrior Princess, making it a powerful, bold choice for a girl's name.
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningGuest, stranger, foreigner
U.S. rank (2024)#1297 β†˜ Falling
2024 U.S. births178 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1996
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 3,331

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 199619922024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Xena derives from the Greek word xenos meaning stranger, guest, or foreigner. The Greek concept of xenia (hospitality toward strangers) was a sacred duty in ancient Greece. As a given name, Xena was virtually unknown before the 1995 TV series.

After the television series Xena: Warrior Princess debuted, the name became associated with fierce femininity and warrior strength. While use spiked in the late 1990s, it remains a bold, recognizable name that carries strong associations with courage and independence.

Did you know? Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001) starred Lucy Lawless as the fictional Xena and became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a devoted fan base worldwide and making the name Xena synonymous with female strength and independence.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Xena

Variations

ZenaXeneXeniaZeena

Nicknames

XZee

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Xena (fictional) (fictional)
    Warrior princess and title character of the 1995-2001 TV series Xena: Warrior Princess

If you like Xena…

Zenaβ€” Same pronunciation, alternate spelling
Xeniaβ€” Extended Greek form of same root
Wrenβ€” Short, bold feminine name with similar energy
Zaraβ€” Sharp, bold feminine name starting with Z sound

Frequently Asked

What does Xena mean?

Xena means guest or stranger in Greek, from the word xenos, related to the ancient Greek concept of hospitality toward guests.

Is Xena a popular name?

Xena gained popularity after the 1990s TV series Xena: Warrior Princess and remains used by parents who want a bold, strong name for a girl.

How do you pronounce Xena?

Xena is pronounced ZEE-nah, with two syllables.

What names are similar to Xena?

Names similar to Xena include Zena, Xenia, Zara, and Wren.