Declining since 2022, #1,261 for girls today.
Popularity of Xena since 1992
Babies named Xena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 924 |
| 2000s | 350 |
| 2010s | 991 |
| 2020s | 1,248 |
Meaning & origin
Xena is a modern name with ancient Greek roots, entering the U.S. naming landscape in 1992. Its popularity rose sharply after the 1995 debut of the television series 'Xena: Warrior Princess', peaking at rank 1,261 in 1996 with a 1-in-9,081 incidence. Since then, usage has declined, with a falling trajectory observed since 2022. The name is most frequently given in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Missouri. Xena remains a distinctive choice, associated with strength and independence, though its meaning 'stranger' (from Greek xenos) contrasts with its heroic cultural image.
Xena originated from the Greek word 'xenos', meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner'. The name was historically rare but gained widespread recognition through the 1990s television series 'Xena: Warrior Princess'. Its usage as a given name surged after the show's debut in 1995, peaking in 1996. Prior to the show, the name was virtually unknown.
Where Xena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Xena” around the world
Where Xena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zee
Variants: Zena
Sibling names for Xena
Names that share Xena's style, for a brother or sister.
