This page lists 6 literary boy names that start with X, from “Xanthus” to “Xander”. They come from Greek, Persian, Arabic, and Basque roots, and each one belongs to a character or writer in books, plays, or stories. Parents, authors, and game creators use them to find a rare name with a real story behind it.

Literary boy names are names borne by characters, poets, or authors in written works, from ancient epics to modern novels. “Xerxes,” for example, appears in Greek drama and history and in the biblical Book of Esther. That long literary presence gives a name weight beyond its sound.

Below you’ll find the table with the name, origin, pronunciation, meaning, and description for each entry.

Name: The name itself, listed alphabetically, so you can scan the list quickly and spot the ones that catch your eye.

Origin: The language or culture the name comes from, which helps you see its roots and judge whether it fits your family background.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide that shows you how to say each name aloud, which matters for unusual names starting with X.

Meaning: The word or idea behind the name, so you can choose one that carries a message or quality you like.

Description: A short note on the book, character, or author tied to the name, which shows you where the name appears in literature.

Literary boy names

NameOriginPronunciationMeaning
XanthusGreekZAN-thusGolden, yellow
XerxesPersian (via Greek)ZURK-seezRuler over heroes
XenophonGreekZEN-uh-fonForeign voice
XuryArabic or MoorishZOO-reeUncertain
XavierBasque, SpanishZAY-vee-erNew house, bright
XanderGreekZAN-derDefender of the people

Descriptions

Xanthus
Xanthus is the name of the river god and the immortal horse in Homer’s Iliad. It suits readers who like classical epic names.
Xerxes
Xerxes was the Persian king who invaded Greece, and he appears in Herodotus and Aeschylus’s The Persians. He also appears in the biblical Book of Esther as Ahasuerus.
Xenophon
Xenophon was an Athenian soldier and writer whose Anabasis tells of the march of the Ten Thousand. His Socratic dialogues make the name a favorite among classics lovers.
Xury
Xury is the young Moorish boy who escapes slavery with Robinson Crusoe in Daniel Defoe’s 1719 novel. He is a loyal, resourceful companion in the early chapters.
Xavier
Xavier is a name of saintly origin that turns up in fiction, notably as the name of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men comics. It is also common in French and Spanish literature.
Xander
Xander is a short form of Alexander, made familiar by Xander Harris in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It is also used for characters in modern young adult fiction.
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