Xenophon is a rare and distinctive name of Greek origin. Its meaning is derived from the two Greek words 'xenos' which means stranger or guest, and 'phōnē' which translates to voice or sound. Therefore, Xenophon can be interpreted as "stranger's voice" or "guest's voice".
The name Xenophon is predominantly associated with the ancient Greek historian and soldier of the same name who lived during the 5th century BCE. This Xenophon was a companion of the famous Persian prince Cyrus the Younger, and his most notable work is the Anabasis, an account of their expedition to Persia.
Throughout history, there have been several other individuals named Xenophon, including early Christian saints and philosophers. However, the name remains relatively uncommon outside of Greece and has not gained widespread popularity in recent times.
In terms of its usage today, Xenophon is more often found as a surname rather than a given name. Despite this, it continues to be an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and historic name with a strong connection to ancient Greek culture.
"Xenophon saw a notable resurgence in popularity among newborns exactly four decades apart, with five babies each named Xenophon in the years 1927 and 1974, sandwiched by another batch of five in 1931."