Xerxes is a name of Persian origin, meaning "hero" or "heroic". It was borne by several kings of the Achaemenid Empire, including Xerxes I (also known as Xerxes the Great), who ruled from 486 to 465 BC, and his son Xerxes II (also known as Xerxes the Little King). The name is also mentioned in the biblical Book of Esther.
In Greek mythology, Xerxes is also associated with the name of a legendary king of Lydia. However, it is more commonly associated with the Persian Empire, where it was used by several prominent figures.
The name Xerxes has been used relatively infrequently throughout history and may be considered somewhat rare today. It is not typically associated with any particular nationality or cultural group, although its origins lie in Persia (modern-day Iran). The name is of ancient vintage and may appeal to those who appreciate unusual or historic names.
Overall, Xerxes is a unique and historic name with a powerful meaning that may be appealing to parents looking for something different and meaningful.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the birth rate of babies named Xerxes in the United States over a span of nearly five decades.
From 1974 to 2023, there have been a total of 268 births with the name Xerxes. The earliest recorded birth was in 1974 with only 6 occurrences. This number increased slightly to 8 births in 1975 before declining again to just 5 births in both 1987 and 1993.
Interestingly, there was a notable increase starting from the year 2007, with 9 births that year. The number of Xerxes births has been steadily climbing since then, reaching double digits every year from 2007 onwards. This upward trend continued until it peaked at 21 births in the year 2018.
However, there was a slight dip in popularity after 2018, with the birth rate fluctuating between 10 to 14 births per year from 2019 to 2021. Despite this, recent years have seen an increase once again, with 17 births recorded in 2022 and a further 16 births in 2023.
It is worth noting that while the overall number of Xerxes births has been relatively low throughout most of the observed period, there has been a consistent presence of this name among newborns each year. Additionally, the recent increase in popularity suggests that the name Xerxes may be regaining traction as an option for new parents in the United States.
In conclusion, while the number of babies named Xerxes born annually has varied over time, there is evidence of a growing trend in recent years, indicating increased consideration of this name among parents.