70 Exceptional Last Names That Start With X

Hunting for a unique character name, or perhaps you are curious about your own family tree? Surnames starting with X are hidden gems in the Western world, yet they are incredibly common powerhouses in Asian cultures.

While names like Smith or Jones dominate English-speaking regions, the letter X introduces us to ancient Chinese dynasties, Greek descriptors, and Basque history. Let’s explore the meanings and origins behind these distinctive X last names.

13 Most Common Last Names That Start With X

These are the heavy hitters of X surnames, boasting millions of bearers worldwide and rich historical roots.

1. Xavier: This name has Basque origins meaning “new house” and remains a favorite in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
2. Xenos: A Greek surname meaning “stranger” or “guest,” traditionally given to newcomers in a village.
3. Xi: This common Chinese surname is linked to an ancient state and is borne by notable figures in history.
4. Xia: Meaning “summer” in Chinese, this name connects to the Xia Dynasty, the first dynasty in traditional Chinese historiography.
5. Xiang: This Chinese name often refers to a “guide” or “direction” and traces back to the ancient state of Xiang.
6. Xiao: A Chinese surname meaning “quiet,” “reverent,” or “resemble,” often linked to descendants of Emperor Shun.
7. Ximenes: This looks like a variation of the Spanish Jiménez (son of Jimeno) and appears frequently in Mexico.
8. Xin: Meaning “new,” “heart,” or “mind” in Chinese, this character often appears in compound words and names.
9. Xing: This poetic Chinese surname translates to “star,” “shape,” or “nature,” depending on the character used.
10. Xiong: A powerful Chinese surname meaning “bear” that is particularly common among the Hmong people.
11. Xochitl: Deriving from Nahuatl culture in Mexico, this beautiful name means “flower” and serves as both a first and last name.
12. Xu: This is a top-tier Chinese surname meaning “slowly” or “calmly,” carried by millions around the globe.
13. Xue: A graceful option among X names, this means “snow” or “study” in Chinese.

24 Cool Last Names Starting With X

From ancient emperors to modern activists, these surnames carry an undeniable cool factor.

1. X: Symbolizing the unknown, this name was famously adopted by Malcolm X to represent his lost African ancestral name.
2. Xander: A shortened form of Alexander, this name means “defender of the people” and works well as a modern surname.
3. Xanders: This patronymic variant implies “son of Xander” and adds a subtle twist to the classic Greek name.
4. Xanthopoulos: This descriptive Greek name translates to “son of the blonde,” indicating fair-haired ancestors.
5. Xanthopoulou: The feminine grammatical form of Xanthopoulos, meaning “daughter of the blonde” in Greek naming customs.
6. Xanthos: A straightforward Greek descriptor meaning “yellow” or “fair,” often referring to hair or complexion.
7. Xarxa: This Catalan surname connects to the sea, likely referring to a net maker or fisherman.
8. Xasan: A Somali transcription of the Arabic name Hassan, this means “handsome,” “good,” or “benefactor.”
9. Xaver: If you want a unique name, this German and Swiss variation of Xavier is a solid choice.
10. Xerxes: This powerful name connects to ancient Persian kings and signifies a “ruler over heroes.”
11. Xian: A virtuous Chinese surname that can mean “immortal,” “transcendent,” or “saint.”
12. Xiaochun: This evocative Chinese name translates to “early spring” or “little spring,” symbolizing renewal.
13. Xiberras: A Maltese surname derived from the Arabic word for a handspan measurement, or a specific hill in Malta.
14. Xie: Often meaning “to thank” or “apologize,” this Chinese surname traces back to the ancient state of Xie.
15. Ximenez: A spelling variant of Jiménez, this Basque-rooted name means “son of Simon” or “son of Jimeno.”
16. Ximines: Another twist on Jiménez found in Latin America, keeping the “son of” tradition alive.
17. Xinos: A Greek regional surname that likely indicates a person from the island of Chios.
18. Xiqués: This rare Catalan surname gained some recognition through historical figures and athletes.
19. Xiu: Meaning “elegant,” “beautiful,” or “luxuriant” in Chinese, this name suggests refinement.
20. Xuân: A lovely Vietnamese surname meaning “spring,” often associated with youth and growth.
21. Xuarez: An archaic or regional spelling of Suárez, this Spanish name means “son of Suero” (swineherd).
22. Xun: This ancient Chinese surname dates back to the Zhou Dynasty and denotes a high-ranking official or merit.
23. Xydias: A Greek occupational name likely derived from “xylon” (wood), referring to a woodcutter or carpenter.
24. Xylander: This scholarly German surname is a Graecized form of Holzmann, meaning “wood man.”

33 Unique Surnames Starting With X

Digging deeper into global registries reveals these rare and fascinating family names.

1. Xa: A rare surname found in Vietnam, derived from the Chinese character for “chariot” or “vehicle.”
2. Xanh: This vibrant Vietnamese name means “green” or “blue,” symbolizing nature and hope.
3. Xanthakys: A variant of Xanthakis, this Greek surname points to a “little blond” ancestor.
4. Xanthis: Another derivative of the Greek word for “fair” or “blonde,” similar to Xanthos.
5. Xantus: A Hungarian name with Greek roots, famous in the scientific community due to naturalist John Xantus.
6. Xatart: A very rare surname likely of Catalan or French origin found in the Pyrenees region.
7. Xavier Da Moura: A distinguished compound surname indicating lineage from both the Xavier and Moura families.
8. Xaviour: An Anglicized spelling of Xavier, retaining the meaning “new house” but with a modern twist.
9. Xayachack: A Laotian surname that likely indicates specific family lineage or status within the community.
10. Xayarath: This Lao name implies a connection to royalty or a “victorious king.”
11. Xayavong: A Laotian surname meaning “lineage of victory,” signifying a prosperous family history.
12. Xenakis: Meaning “little foreigner,” this Greek name was famously borne by avant-garde composer Iannis Xenakis.
13. Xenes: A variant of Xenos, this simply labels the original bearer as a “guest” or “outsider.”
14. Xenofontos: A patronymic Greek surname meaning “son of Xenophon” (foreign voice).
15. Xenophontos: An alternative spelling of Xenofontos, often found in Cyprus and Greece.
16. Xenophontov: The Russian adaptation of Xenophon, showing how Greek names traveled north.
17. Xerri: A Maltese surname likely evolving from the Arabic word “jerri,” meaning “runner” or “swift.”
18. Xhaferaj: An Albanian patronymic name meaning “descendant of Xhafer” (river or stream).
19. Xhaferi: A common Albanian surname linking a family to an ancestor named Xhafer.
20. Xhaferraj: A slight spelling variation of Xhaferaj found in the Balkans.
21. Xhaka: This Albanian name is widely recognized today thanks to international soccer stars like Granit Xhaka.
22. Xhani: The Albanian version of “Johnny” or “John,” making it a cognate of names like Johnson.
23. Xhekaj: A fierce cool surname of Albanian origin, currently notable in professional hockey.
24. Xhemali: Derived from the Arabic name Jamal, this Albanian surname means “beauty” or “handsome.”
25. Xhixha: An Albanian name that translates directly to “uncle,” likely used as a nickname that stuck.
26. Xhuvani: A patronymic surname referring to the “son of Xhuvan” (John).
27. Xiradakis: A rare Cretan surname, possibly referring to a specific trade or physical characteristic.
28. Xoxa: A short and punchy Albanian name associated with literature and the arts.
29. Xuereb: A Maltese name of Arabic origin, possibly meaning “to drink” or referring to a mustache.
30. Xydas: A Greek occupational surname for a vinegar maker or merchant.
31. Xydis: A common variant of Xydas, centering on the Greek word “xydi” (vinegar).
32. Xypolitopoulos: A long Greek name meaning “son of the barefoot one.”
33. Xypolitos: This Greek descriptor means “barefoot,” implying a humble ancestor or a specific religious vow.

Last Names That Start With X FAQs

Why Do People Use X as a Last Name?

The surname X is a powerful symbol of reinvention. The most famous example is Malcolm X, who replaced his birth name, Little, with X to represent the African family name lost during the era of slavery. For him, the “Little” surname was a badge of servitude imposed by a slave master. By adopting X, he reclaimed his identity. Today, others may use it to signify anonymity, a break from painful family history, or a fresh start.

Are X Last Names the Rarest?

In the English-speaking world, yes. X is one of the least frequently used letters for surnames in the United States and UK, making it incredibly rare to meet a “Smith-style” native X name. However, on a global scale, X surnames are massive. In China, names like Xu, Xi, and Xiao are carried by tens of millions of people. So, while you won’t find many in a London phone book, they are dominant in Beijing.

What Is the Most Common Last Name Starting With X?

The undisputed champion is Xu. It is one of the most common surnames in mainland China and has a massive diaspora presence. The name has ancient roots, tracing back to the state of Xu and mythological figures like the Yellow Emperor. Because of this, millions of people worldwide share this single two-letter surname.

Are There Any English Last Names Starting With X?

There are almost no native English surnames that start with X. The letter X rarely starts words in Old English or Anglo-Saxon. Most “English” names starting with X you see today are actually Anglicized versions of Greek names (like Xylander), German names, or shortened forms of names like Alexander.