Find out how popular the first name Xanthe has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xanthe by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Xanthe is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Xanthe.

The history of the first name Xanthe

The name Xanthe has Greek origins, derived from the Greek word "xanthos" which means "yellow" or "golden-haired." It is believed to have been in use since ancient times, as early as the 5th century BC.

In Greek mythology, Xanthe was the name of one of the Oceanids, the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. She was also the name of a nymph who was loved by the river god Scamander.

The earliest recorded use of the name Xanthe can be found in ancient Greek literature, such as the works of Homer and Hesiod. It was a relatively uncommon name in ancient Greece, but it was used by some notable figures.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Xanthe was Xanthe of Samos, a Greek historian and philosopher who lived in the 5th century BC. She is believed to have written a history of the Lydians, although her work has been lost.

Another notable Xanthe was Xanthe of Lesbos, a Greek poet who lived in the 3rd century BC. She was part of the circle of poets and scholars associated with the Library of Alexandria and is believed to have written poetry, although none of her works have survived.

In the 17th century, the name Xanthe was used by Xanthe Jerrold, an English writer and playwright who lived from 1628 to 1685. She wrote several plays and novels, including "The Court Cupid" and "The Constant Nymph."

In the 19th century, Xanthe Fitzpatrick was an Irish poet and playwright who lived from 1859 to 1925. She wrote several plays and collections of poetry, including "The Flower of the World" and "The Pipes of Pan."

More recently, Xanthe Elphinstone was an Australian novelist and children's author who lived from 1926 to 2007. She wrote several books for children, including "The Galloping Gardeners" and "The Herd-Boy of Timbuctoo."

While the name Xanthe has Greek origins and historical references, it has remained a relatively uncommon name throughout history. However, its unique sound and meaning have made it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a touch of ancient Greek heritage.

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 Xanthe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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