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
| Name | Origin | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xanthus | Greek | ZAN-thus | Golden, yellow |
| Xerxes | Persian (via Greek) | ZURK-seez | Ruler over heroes |
| Xenophon | Greek | ZEN-uh-fon | Foreign voice |
| Xury | Arabic or Moorish | ZOO-ree | Uncertain |
| Xavier | Basque, Spanish | ZAY-vee-er | New house, bright |
| Xander | Greek | ZAN-der | Defender of the people |