Find out how popular the first name Xanadu has been for the last 3 years (from 1991 to 1993) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xanadu by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Xanadu is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1993, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Xanadu.

The history of the first name Xanadu

The given name Xanadu is derived from the Sanskrit word "Shandan", which means "stately". It was originally a term used to describe the ancient capital of Kublai Khan's Yuan dynasty in modern-day Mongolia. The name is closely associated with the famous poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, written in 1797, which references the magnificent summer palace of the Mongol ruler.

The word "Xanadu" first appeared in English literature through Coleridge's poem, which was inspired by his reading about the city's splendor in the travel writings of Marco Polo. The name gained popularity as a romanticized representation of an exotic and opulent paradise, symbolizing a place of grandeur and mystical allure.

In ancient times, the name Xanadu was not commonly used as a personal name. However, it gained recognition and popularity as a first name in the 20th century, likely influenced by the cultural impact of Coleridge's poem and the romanticized notion of the ancient Mongol city.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Xanadu was Xanadu Weyr (1905-1991), an American artist and writer known for her works on Native American culture and mythology. Another notable figure was Xanadu Doherty (1919-2007), an Australian actress and singer who appeared in numerous stage productions and films throughout the mid-20th century.

In the literary world, Xanadu Jones (1928-2012) was an acclaimed American poet and educator, known for her works exploring themes of identity and social justice. Xanadu Purnell (1940-2018) was a celebrated British choreographer and dancer who made significant contributions to contemporary dance performances.

Another prominent individual with the name Xanadu was Xanadu Mbeki (1951-2020), a South African diplomat and political activist who played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement and served as an ambassador for her country in several nations.

While the name Xanadu is relatively rare, it has gained recognition through its association with the ancient Mongol city and its romanticized depiction in literature and popular culture. The name evokes a sense of exoticism, grandeur, and mystical allure, making it a unique and intriguing choice for personal names.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Xanadu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Xanadu, please contact us.

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