Xenophon or Xenofon is an ancient Greek name which derives from the words “ksenos” and “foni”, which mean “foreign” and “voice” respectively.
Xenophon is a male Greek name associated with a great ancient Greek historian, but it is used in modern Greece as well, although in a more modernized version, which is Xenophontas.
The spelling of name Xenophon is somewhat complicated. The name is written with the letter -Ξ in Greek, which doesn’t exist in the Latin alphabet; reading Xenophon in English would probably sound like “Zeenophon”, although the Greek sound is Ksenophon. However, Xenophon is the most common spelling in the Romanized version of the Greek language and spelling.
Sound of name Xenophon: Kse-noh-phón
Female Version of name Xenophon: N/A
Nameday of Xenophon: January 26th
Origin of name Xenophon – Osios Xenophon (Blessed Xenophon)
Xenophon lived in Constantinople during the years of Ioustinos and Justinianus in the 6th century AD. He was a rich man who stood out due to his deep faith in God.
He had two sons, Arcadius and Ioannis. When they finished school, Xenofon sent them to Beirut to study law. However, the ship taking them there sunk but the two young men were saved and went to Jerusalem, where they became monks. Their parents, Xenophon and Maria looked for them and found out that they have dedicated themselves to God, so they also decided to do the same.
Xenophon and his wife, along with their children, are considered among the most sensitive and philanthropists people in the Christian tradition. They all died peacefully, and the Orthodox church declared Xenophon a blessed man (Osios) celebrating the nameday of Xenophon on January 26th.
Xenophon the historian
As mentioned earlier, Xenophon is a name known from the ancient years, mostly due to the Athenian historian Xenophon, who lived during the 5th-4th century BC.
Xenophon was at first a soldier, who found himself in the army of the Persian King Cyrrus, who fought his brother Artaxerxes of Persia. Xenophon followed Cyrrus during the entire expedition, and wrote one of the most accurate and critically acclaimed historical books called “Kyrou Anavasis”, which means (Cyrrus’ March Up Country).
Xenophon was a student of Socrates, and he followed his master’s philosophical steps. When Socrates was condemned by the Athenians, Xenophon reacted to the decision and he was exiled, accused for having collaborated with the Spartans. Xenophon had a fond love of Athens but didn’t believe in its political morals. It is not known when he died, but it’s almost certain he died in Sparta, being exiled by Athens.
Nicknames deriving from name Xenophon
Xenophon has a few nicknames and diminutives; the most common one is Xenophontas which is the version of the name used in modern Greek today. Other nicknames are Fontas and Fontis.
The Names’ fairy reveals the meaning of name Xenophon
Xenophon is a serious, soft spoken man, who is usually quite introverted and considered eccentric. He is not into passionate love, and he prefers a quiet and steady relationship.