Names That Start with X

X is the letter with the most varied pronunciation in names. In English it usually sounds like a z at the start of a name, as in Xander and Xavier, though some people say ex-avier. In Spanish names like Ximena, it sounds like an h. In names from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, it sounds like an s or sh. Before you settle on an X name, check how it is pronounced in its original language.

Xavier comes from a Basque place name and spread through Saint Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary. Xavi is a Catalan short form, and Xzavier, Xavion and Xavian are modern variations. Xander began as a short form of a longer Greek classic. Ximena is a Spanish name with medieval roots. Xochitl means flower in Nahuatl, and Xitlali and Xitlaly come from the Nahuatl word for star.

Greek supplies Xenia, which means hospitality, and Xena is a related name that became known through a television warrior princess. Xiomara is used in Spanish-speaking families. Xyla is a modern name. Because X names are uncommon, many people will need to hear the pronunciation once, but they also leave a strong impression.