Xena

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZEE-nah /ˈziː.nə/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 (2025)#1270 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births177 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1996

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,508

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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

★Xena (fictional) (fictional)
Warrior princess and title character of the 1995-2001 TV series Xena: Warrior Princess

If you like Xena…

Zena— Same pronunciation, alternate spelling

Xenia— Extended Greek form of same root

Wren— Short, bold feminine name with similar energy

Zara— Sharp, bold feminine name starting with Z sound

Explore names like Xena

By themegreek two-syllable strong bold pop-culture warrior

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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.