Xanthe as a baby name - how many do you know?

[VioletElizabethBott]

Having discussed ancient Greek names ad nauseam on various American naming sites/blogs (has everyone discovered Nameberry? Amazing place) I wondered if I could turn to Mumsnetters for an opinion on this name in England?

I really want an ancient Greek name (various reasons but also to go with my elder daughter's (Iris)) and have something of a hitch with my last name which has a vowel beginning (thus not ideal to have a first name ending in a vowel - rules out a LOT of girls' names!).

I always loved Xanthe, husband did not. We settled on Artemis but as due date is 1 month off we've both got slightly cold feet (feel it's a bit pretentious though I'd still use it as I love it) and he's coming round to Xanthe. BUT... but... I'm getting the impression that the name is really gaining popularity. I know it's not going to get to the next Ava, Olivia or Sophia level but what do you think?

I went round an expensive prep school yesterday and saw FIVE Ottilies (and there are two at my elder daughter's nursery) - a name that I know isn't going to be nation-wide popular but I can see similarities with Xanthe in being v. popular within a small part of society which, I have to confess, my daughter will probably move within being privately educated and living where we do.

Has anyone met a young or baby Xanthe? Anyone heard the name discussed a lot by expectant mothers?

Really grateful for your feedback!

[xanthejaffe]

Hello, my name is xanthe and i think it is a very unique name i have not met anyone else called xanthe and the name means beautiful maiden. it also meas blonde and the x at the start always gives people something to talk about. people usually light up when they hear my name and i would love to share it with your daughter happy name picking!!!
Xanthe

[sugarhoneyicetea]

None (and I'm a teacher in a big secondary school so know thousands of children!) Definitely not in the same kind of area as you have described though! FWIW, I like it.

[Llamacorn]

I know one, she's a beautiful little thing! I like Artemis, what about Astraea? Or would that sound weird with your last name?
I have a Zoë, not Ancient Greek but is Greek and means life, and would sound nice with Iris.
Freyja/Freya is lovely too as is Phoebe.
Calliope, Persephone, Leda?

[bridgetreilly]

I know a Xanthe whose sister is Ianthe. Neither are my top choice names but of the two, I prefer Ianthe slightly.

[bridgetreilly]

Oh, zombie thread. Should have checked.