Find out how popular the last name Xanthos is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Xanthos.

Xanthos, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Xanthos surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Xanthos in America

Xanthos is the 91625th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Xanthos surname appeared 201 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Xanthos.

We can also compare 2010 data for Xanthos to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Xanthos

The surname Xanthos has its origins in ancient Greece, specifically from the region known today as Western Turkey, which was part of ancient Lydia in antiquity. The surname is derived from the ancient Greek word "ξανθός" (xanthos), which means "yellow" or "blonde." It was often used as a descriptor for individuals with blonde hair or a fair complexion. The use of Xanthos as a surname likely began during classical Greek times, around the 5th century BCE.

The name is historically significant and appears in various ancient Greek texts and inscriptions. One of the earliest and most prominent references to the name Xanthos can be found in the epic tales of Homer, where Xanthos is mentioned as one of the horses of Achilles in the "Iliad." This lends a mythological and heroic connotation to the name. Additionally, there was an ancient city named Xanthos in Lycia, an area known for its rich cultural heritage and pivotal role during the Hellenistic period. The city's name has been documented in numerous historical records, including those of Herodotus.

Among the earliest recorded examples of Xanthos as a surname in written records, the works of the historian Xanthos of Lydia stand out. Living during the 5th century BCE, Xanthos of Lydia chronicled the history of his homeland and provided valuable insights into the culture and practices of the Lydian people. His contributions to history have been referenced by subsequent historians such as Strabo and Plutarch, reinforcing the surname's long-standing historical significance.

Moving forward to the Byzantine era, another notable figure bearing the surname Xanthos is Michael Xanthos, a scholar and theologian who flourished in the early 9th century CE. His works on Christian theology and ecclesiastical studies were influential during a period of great religious debate and development within the Byzantine Empire.

In the context of more recent history, one of the most distinguished individuals with this surname was Nikolaos Xanthos, a prominent figure in the Greek War of Independence. Born in 1789, Nikolaos Xanthos was one of the founding members of the Filiki Eteria, a secret society working towards the liberation of Greece from Ottoman rule. His contributions to the Greek cause were instrumental until his death in 1854. A statue of Nikolaos Xanthos stands today in many Greek cities, commemorating his role in the struggle for independence.

Another notable historical figure is Georgios Xanthos, a philanthropist and merchant who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Georgios was born in 1840 and contributed significantly to the economic and educational development of his hometown Kefalonia, creating scholarships and funding the construction of schools. He passed away in 1911, leaving a legacy of community service and philanthropy.

Toward the modern era, Dimitrios Xanthos, born in 1923, was a prominent diplomat and statesman who represented Greece in various international forums during the mid-20th century. His career in diplomacy was marked by efforts to promote peace and cooperation in the tumultuous post-war world. He passed away in 1998, remembered for his contributions to international relations.

Through these historical lenses, the surname Xanthos illustrates a rich tapestry of cultural, mythological, and historical significance. From ancient scholars and mythological references to modern heroes and philanthropists, the name carries with it a legacy of distinction and contribution to society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Xanthos

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Xanthos.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Xanthos was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Xanthos has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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