Finding boy names that start with X can be surprisingly rewarding. X is one of the less common starting letters in English language baby naming, but it opens the door to names from many different languages and traditions. You can find familiar choices such as Xavier and Xander, along with distinctive international names such as Xabier, Xurxo, Xoel, Xacobe, Xulio, and Xanthos.
If you want a stylish modern name, a classic choice, or something that feels genuinely uncommon, X names offer plenty of personality. The key is to look beyond familiar English spellings and explore established names from Basque, Galician, Greek, Catalan, Portuguese, and other naming traditions. Behind the Name lists numerous masculine names beginning with X across these languages.
50 Boy Names That Start With X
Here is a quick, mobile friendly reference list of established masculine names beginning with X. Meanings and origins are based primarily on established name references rather than invented interpretations.
| Name | Meaning & Origin |
|---|---|
| Xabi | Diminutive of Xavier Basque |
| Xabier | New house Basque Galician |
| Xacobe | Form of James Galician |
| Xaime | Form of James Galician |
| Xämzä | Form of Hamza Tatar, Bashkir |
| Xan | Form of John Galician |
| Xande | Diminutive of Alexandre Portuguese |
| Xander | Short form of Alexander Dutch, English |
| Xandinho | Diminutive of Alexandre Portuguese |
| Xanthippos | Yellow horse Ancient Greek |
| Xanthos | Yellow Ancient Greek |
| Xanthus | Latinized form of Xanthos Greek |
| Xaver | Form of Xavier German |
| Xavi | Diminutive of Xavier Catalan |
| Xavier | New house Basque, European |
| Xavior | Variant of Xavier English |
| Xenagoras | Foreign/stranger + assembly Ancient Greek |
| Xenocrates | Foreigner/guest + power Ancient Greek |
| Xenophon | Foreign voice Ancient Greek |
| Xián | Galician form related to Julian Galician |
| Xiao | Variant of Xián Galician |
| Xoán | Form of John Galician |
| Xoel | Form of Joel Galician |
| Xosé | Form of Joseph Galician |
| Xulio | Form of Julius Galician |
| Xun | Merit, accomplishment; also other Chinese forms Chinese |
| Xurshid | Uzbek form of Khorshid Uzbek |
| Xurxo | Form of George Galician |
| Xwm | Second son Hmong |
| Xystos | Greek form of Sixtus Ancient Greek |
| Xzavier | Variant of Xavier English |
These names demonstrate how broad the X category can be: the letter appears in Basque, Galician, Portuguese, Catalan, German, Greek, Chinese, Hmong, Uzbek, and other naming traditions.
My Top 15 Boy Names That Start With X
If you want a practical shortlist rather than dozens of possibilities, these 15 offer a good balance of familiarity, history, international appeal, and distinctive style.
1. Xavier
Meaning: New house
Origin: Basque, with usage across several European languages
Xavier is arguably the most recognizable boy name beginning with X. Its history is connected with the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning “new house.” It later became a given name through the surname of Saint Francis Xavier.
Why choose it: A well established X name with international recognition.
2. Xander
Meaning: Short form of Alexander
Origin: Dutch, English
Xander has a modern, energetic sound while remaining connected to the traditional name Alexander. Behind the Name identifies it as a short form used in Dutch and modern English.
Why choose it: Familiar enough to be easy to use while still beginning with X.
3. Xabier
Meaning: New house
Origin: Basque, Galician
Xabier is a Basque and Galician form of Xavier. Its spelling gives it a distinctly Iberian and European character.
Why choose it: A traditional alternative to the more familiar Xavier.
4. Xavi
Meaning: Diminutive of Xavier
Origin: Catalan
Short and friendly, Xavi is a Catalan diminutive of Xavier.
Why choose it: Compact, stylish, and easy to remember.
5. Xan
Meaning: Form of John
Origin: Galician
Xan is a very short Galician form of John.
Why choose it: A simple choice for parents who love short names.
6. Xanthos
Meaning: Yellow
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xanthos comes from the Greek word xanthos, meaning “yellow.” It also appears in Greek mythology.
Why choose it: An unusual historical name with a strong ancient feel.
7. Xanthus
Meaning: Latinized form of Xanthos
Origin: Greek
Xanthus is the Latinized form of Xanthos and gives the ancient name a slightly more familiar Western spelling.
Why choose it: A distinctive classical option.
8. Xoel
Meaning: Form of Joel
Origin: Galician
Xoel is a Galician form of Joel.
Why choose it: A distinctive international alternative to Joel.
9. Xurxo
Meaning: Form of George
Origin: Galician
Xurxo is the Galician form of George.
Why choose it: It combines a familiar underlying name with an uncommon spelling tradition.
10. Xacobe
Meaning: Form of James
Origin: Galician
Xacobe is a Galician form related to James.
Why choose it: Historic and recognizable in origin while being unusual in English speaking settings.
11. Xaime
Meaning: Form of James
Origin: Galician
Xaime is another established Galician form related to James.
Why choose it: A traditional option with an unmistakably international sound.
12. Xulio
Meaning: Form of Julius
Origin: Galician
Xulio is the Galician form of Julius.
Why choose it: A classic rooted name with a fresh X beginning.
13. Xoán
Meaning: Form of John
Origin: Galician
Xoán is the Galician form of John.
Why choose it: Traditional, culturally specific, and distinctive.
14. Xenophon
Meaning: Foreign voice
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenophon combines Greek elements associated with “foreign/strange” and “voice.” It was borne by a 4th century BC Greek military commander and historian.
Why choose it: A powerful historical choice for parents who enjoy ancient names.
15. Xystos
Meaning: Greek form of Sixtus
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xystos is an established Greek form of Sixtus.
Why choose it: One of the most unusual historical X choices on the list.
What Makes X Boy Names So Distinctive?
The letter X is relatively uncommon as the first letter of given names in English, which naturally makes many X names stand out. However, X names are not limited to modern inventions. Established examples come from several linguistic traditions.
Xavier has Basque roots and became an internationally used given name, while Xander developed as a short form of Alexander. Galician provides a particularly interesting collection of X names, including Xabier, Xacobe, Xaime, Xan, Xoán, Xoel, Xosé, Xulio, and Xurxo.
Ancient Greek also contributes names such as Xanthos, Xanthippos, Xenagoras, Xenocrates, and Xenophon.
This makes X a useful starting letter for parents who want a name that feels distinctive without relying on a made up word.
Cute Boy Names That Start With X
For a sweet, friendly, or youthful feel, consider:
- Xabi a short Basque form of Xavier.
- Xan a compact Galician form of John.
- Xavi a Catalan diminutive of Xavier.
- Xander upbeat and approachable.
- Xoel a distinctive Galician form of Joel.
- Xiao a short looking international option listed as a Galician variant of Xián.
Among these, Xabi, Xavi, Xan, and Xoel are especially appealing if you prefer short names.
Strong Boy Names That Start With X
Some X names have a particularly bold or historical character:
- Xavier
- Xander
- Xanthos
- Xanthus
- Xenophon
- Xenocrates
- Xanthippos
- Xystos
Names such as Xenophon and Xanthippos have documented connections to ancient Greek history, while Xavier and Xander offer a more contemporary choice.
The Most Popular X Boy Names Right Now
Among X starting boy names, Xavier is the clearest mainstream choice in the United States. The U.S. Social Security Administration’s decade data for the 2020s places Xavier at 100 among boys, with 21,282 births recorded across 2020–2025.
Xander has also had substantial U.S. usage. The SSA’s 2010s data placed Xander at 198 for boys during that decade.
The broader pattern is useful for parents: choosing Xavier gives you a recognizable X name, while many other X options provide considerably more rarity.
Rare International Boy Names That Start With X
If international variety matters to you, these names are worth exploring:
- Xabier Basque/Galician form of Xavier.
- Xacobe Galician form related to James.
- Xaime Galician form related to James.
- Xande Portuguese diminutive of Alexandre.
- Xanthos Ancient Greek.
- Xenophon Ancient Greek.
- Xoán Galician form of John.
- Xoel Galician form of Joel.
- Xurxo Galician form of George.
- Xurshid Uzbek form of Khorshid.
- Xwm Hmong name meaning “second son.”
These examples show why international research is especially valuable when looking for X names.
Galician Boy Names That Start With X
Galician is particularly rich in established masculine X names. Some notable examples include:
Xabier
A Basque and Galician form of Xavier.
Xacobe
A Galician form related to James.
Xaime
Another Galician form related to James.
Xan
The Galician form of John.
Xoán
A Galician form of John.
Xoel
The Galician form of Joel.
Xosé
The Galician form of Joseph.
Xulio
The Galician form of Julius.
Xurxo
The Galician form of George.
Ancient Greek Boy Names That Start With X
Parents who love mythology and classical history have several established choices.
Xanthippos
Meaning: Yellow horse
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xanthippos combines Greek elements associated with “yellow” and “horse.” It was the name of a 5th century BC Athenian general.
Xanthos
Meaning: Yellow
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xanthos comes from Greek xanthos, meaning “yellow,” and appears in Greek mythology.
Xenagoras
Meaning: Foreign/stranger + assembly or marketplace
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenagoras was also the name of a 2nd century BC Greek historian.
Xenocrates
Meaning: Foreigner/guest + power
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenocrates was the name of a 4th century BC Greek philosopher.
Xenophon
Meaning: Foreign voice
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenophon is strongly associated with classical Greek history and literature.
Unique Boy Names That Start With X
If by “unique” you mean distinctive but genuinely established, these are some of the strongest choices:
- Xabier
- Xacobe
- Xande
- Xanthippos
- Xanthos
- Xanthus
- Xenagoras
- Xenocrates
- Xenophon
- Xoán
- Xosé
- Xurxo
- Xystos
These names are unusual in many English speaking communities, but they have documented linguistic or historical backgrounds.
Classic Boy Names That Start With X
Classic doesn’t necessarily mean common. Several X names have deep historical roots:
- Xavier
- Xabier
- Xacobe
- Xaime
- Xanthos
- Xanthippos
- Xenophon
- Xulio
- Xurxo
- Xystos
For a classic name that is still relatively easy to use internationally, Xavier is probably the most straightforward choice.
How to Choose the Right X Name for Your Baby Boy
1. Decide How Rare You Want the Name to Be
If you want familiarity, Xavier and Xander are sensible starting points. If you want something less familiar, explore names such as Xabier, Xoel, Xurxo, or Xenophon.
2. Check the Pronunciation
X names can vary considerably between languages. Before choosing an international name, listen to how native speakers pronounce it and decide if that pronunciation works naturally with your family.
3. Think About Cultural Connection
If you are choosing a name because of its Basque, Galician, Greek, Catalan, or another linguistic background, learn a little about that tradition first. A name is more meaningful when its history is understood and respected.
4. Say the First and Last Names Together
Repeat the complete name several times. Try it in everyday situations such as introducing your child, calling them from another room, or writing it on official forms.
5. Consider the Nickname Possibilities
Some X names already have short forms. Xavier can lead naturally to forms such as Xavi, while Xander itself is already a shortened form of Alexander.
Rare X Names vs. Familiar X Names
| Familiar X Names | Rare X Names |
|---|---|
| Xavier | Xabier |
| Xander | Xacobe |
| Xavi | Xoel |
| Xzavier | Xurxo |
| Xan | Xenophon |
| Xylan | Xanthippos |
Full List of Boy Names That Start With X
Xabi
Meaning: Diminutive of Xavier
Origin: Basque
Xabi is a short Basque form of Xavier. It offers a compact alternative while retaining the history of Xavier.
Why choose it: Short, distinctive, and culturally established.
Xabier
Meaning: New house
Origin: Basque, Galician
Xabier is a Basque and Galician form of Xavier. It is especially appealing for parents who want a traditional European X name.
Why choose it: A distinctive traditional alternative to Xavier.
Xacobe
Meaning: Form of James
Origin: Galician
Xacobe is an established Galician form related to James.
Why choose it: Historic roots with an uncommon spelling.
Xaime
Meaning: Form of James
Origin: Galician
Xaime is another established Galician form related to James.
Why choose it: Traditional and internationally distinctive.
Xan
Meaning: Form of John
Origin: Galician
Xan is a concise Galician form of John.
Why choose it: A very short and memorable X name.
Xander
Meaning: Short form of Alexander
Origin: Dutch, English
Xander has a modern feel while retaining a connection to the traditional Alexander.
Why choose it: Familiar, energetic, and easy to use.
Xanthippos
Meaning: Yellow horse
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xanthippos is an ancient Greek name with documented historical use.
Why choose it: A bold choice for lovers of ancient history.
Xanthos
Meaning: Yellow
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xanthos derives from Greek xanthos and has connections to Greek mythology.
Why choose it: Mythic character and strong historical roots.
Xanthus
Meaning: Latinized form of Xanthos
Origin: Greek
Xanthus is the Latinized form of Xanthos.
Why choose it: Classical character with a distinctive sound.
Xaver
Meaning: Form of Xavier
Origin: German
Xaver is the German form of Xavier.
Why choose it: A European alternative to Xavier.
Xavi
Meaning: Diminutive of Xavier
Origin: Catalan
Xavi is an established Catalan diminutive of Xavier.
Why choose it: Short, friendly, and stylish.
Xavier
Meaning: New house
Origin: Basque; used in several European languages
Xavier developed from the Basque place name associated with Etxeberria and became established as a given name through Saint Francis Xavier.
Why choose it: The most familiar internationally used X choice on this list.
Xavior
Meaning: Variant of Xavier
Origin: English
Xavior is an established English variant of Xavier.
Why choose it: A modern spelling variation with familiar pronunciation.
Xenagoras
Meaning: Foreign/stranger + assembly
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenagoras is an ancient Greek name with documented historical use.
Why choose it: Extremely distinctive with classical roots.
Xenocrates
Meaning: Foreigner/guest + power
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenocrates was the name of a 4th century BC Greek philosopher.
Why choose it: A scholarly and historic X name.
Xenophon
Meaning: Foreign voice
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xenophon was borne by a famous Greek military commander and historian of the 4th century BC.
Why choose it: Strong historical identity and unusual sound.
Xián
Meaning: Galician form related to Julian
Origin: Galician
Xián is listed as a Galician form derived from Xulián, the Galician form of Julian.
Why choose it: An uncommon international form with an established linguistic history.
Xoán
Meaning: Form of John
Origin: Galician
Xoán is the Galician form of John.
Why choose it: Traditional while remaining highly distinctive internationally.
Xoel
Meaning: Form of Joel
Origin: Galician
Xoel is the Galician form of Joel.
Why choose it: Familiar underlying name with a distinctive X form.
Xosé
Meaning: Form of Joseph
Origin: Galician
Xosé is the Galician form of Joseph.
Why choose it: Strong traditional and cultural character.
Xulio
Meaning: Form of Julius
Origin: Galician
Xulio is the Galician form of Julius.
Why choose it: Classical roots with an uncommon international form.
Xurshid
Meaning: Uzbek form of Khorshid
Origin: Uzbek
Xurshid is an established Uzbek form of Khorshid.
Why choose it: A distinctive Central Asian option.
Xurxo
Meaning: Form of George
Origin: Galician
Xurxo is the Galician form of George.
Why choose it: A familiar classic transformed through Galician tradition.
Xystos
Meaning: Greek form of Sixtus
Origin: Ancient Greek
Xystos is listed as the Greek form of Sixtus.
Why choose it: Rare, historical, and unmistakably classical.
Xzavier
Meaning: Variant of Xavier
Origin: English
Xzavier is an established modern English variant of Xavier.
Why choose it: A contemporary spelling for parents who want something more modern looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular boy name that starts with X?
Xavier is the strongest mainstream example. U.S. Social Security Administration data places Xavier at 100 among boys across the 2020–2025 period.
What are some unique boy names that start with X?
Consider Xabier, Xacobe, Xanthos, Xenophon, Xoán, Xoel, Xurxo, and Xystos. These are established names rather than invented names, but many are uncommon in English speaking communities.
What are some short boy names that start with X?
Good short options include Xabi, Xan, and Xavi. Their linguistic backgrounds are Basque, Galician, and Catalan respectively.
Is Xander a real name?
Yes. Xander is an established short form of Alexander with Dutch and modern English usage.
Are there traditional Galician boy names beginning with X?
Yes. Galician has a particularly useful group of masculine X names, including Xabier, Xacobe, Xaime, Xan, Xoán, Xoel, Xosé, Xulio, and Xurxo.
Is Xavier a classic boy name?
Yes. Xavier has established historical use and is used across several European languages. Its history is connected to the Basque place name associated with Saint Francis Xavier.
Final Thoughts
Choosing from boy names that start with X gives you an opportunity to move beyond ordinary naming choices. Xavier and Xander provide familiar options, while names such as Xabier, Xoel, Xurxo, Xanthos, and Xenophon offer more distinctive international and historical character. Take your time, check pronunciation and cultural background, and choose the name that feels natural with your family’s surname and story.
For more baby name inspiration, explore other letter based name lists and compare familiar choices with rarer options on Namenust.com.
Ethan Carter is a passionate Name Researcher and Content Writer at Namenust.com. He specializes in exploring the meanings, origins, history, and cultural significance of names from around the world. With a strong interest in language, naming trends, and cultural heritage, Ethan creates well-researched and easy-to-understand content that helps readers find unique, meaningful, and inspiring names for babies, characters, brands, and more. Through his work at Namenust.com, he is committed to providing accurate, informative, and engaging resources for anyone interested in the fascinating world of names.
