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Xian
Pronounced SHEE-ahn /ΚiΛΙn/Medium
Meaning: Variously a short form of Christian ('a follower of Christ') and a name echoing the Chinese Xian (a city; also 'an immortal, a sage'); the route is uncertain, so we flag itLow
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Xian is variously a short form of Christian β 'a follower of Christ' β and a name echoing the Chinese Xian, the ancient capital city, and the word for 'an immortal, a sage' (the route is uncertain, which we flag honestly). A crisp, modern, cross-cultural name (said 'SHEE-ahn'; pronunciation varies by family; nickname Xi).
It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-follower-of-Christ-or-an-immortal at the (uncertain) root, and crisp.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Xian mean?
Xian is variously a short form of Christian and an echo of the Chinese Xian; the route is uncertain, so we flag it.
How do you pronounce Xian?
It's said SHEE-ahn /ΚiΛΙn/ β two syllables; pronunciation varies by family.
Is Xian a boy or girl name?
Xian is most often a boy's name.
How popular is Xian?
Xian is a rare name in the U.S.