Xanthe for a brunette?

[JustKeepSwimming18]

I love the name Xanthe, and if I'm lucky enough to have a girl this is definitely on the short-shortlist. However, although there's a (small) chance I could have a blonde daughter, brunette is far more likely. Even if my LO was born blonde it would be unlikely to last through to school age.

Would you use Xanthe for a brunette? Or is it so strongly associated with blondes (because of its meaning) that it would be weird to meet a brunette Xanthe?

I have no idea what it's meaning is, and would have no 'expectation' of what a 'Xanthe' would look like before meeting them.

I think most people wouldn't immediately know what the name meant (I had to google). There are plenty of children called Ruby or Scarlett that don't have that colouring.

Yep, no idea what it means so would have no preconceptions.

I think it's fine. I know pale Melanies, and a non-redheaded Rory. There are plenty of dark-haired/dark-skinned Finns about. Most people won't know the meaning, and I doubt those who do will care particularly.

Violet is a popular name now. And 'Blue' is going up the charts.

Those children are definitely not violet or blue in colour.

I know the meaning but I’d not expect a literal interpretation
So no brunette Xanthe wouldn’t jar with me

I think it's a beautiful name. I once meet a little girl who had brown hair with the name. I don't think people will really know the meaning.

The Flavias I know are both dark haired, even though it means blonde. I'm not sure many people will know the meaning of Xanthe to be honest, and even if they do there are plenty of names that don't match the people. I know a Hope who's the most pessimistic person possible!

Thanks! All very reassuring answers! Now all I need to do is pick a middle name. (Oh yeah, and have a girl! )

My expectations would be slightly alternative parents, nothing to do with hair colour.

I know plenty of Rubys who don't have red hair, and an Amber who isn't ginger.

I have a Xanthe. Shes blonde at the moment (as i was as a child) but i assume she'll be brunette when shes older due to mine and dps colouring.

Tbh, the meaning of her name is the last thing you need to worry about. The pressing issue is that hardly anyone knows how to pronounce or spell it. You'll send a text mentioning 'Xanthe' and the recipient will spell it as 'Zante', you'll have a conversation and mention Xanthe, and the recipient will call her Zante/Zantay/Zanthia, its quite tiredsome.....

It's fine imo.

I'm a brunette Xanthe. It's cool, don't worry about it!

I'm named after a Xanthe and neither of us are blonde.

I don’t think of a specific hair colour with this name. And I don’t think anyone else will either unless they know the specific meaning.

Personally, I don’t like it. It’s very harsh sounding.

I know a brunette Xanthe as well I've never thought anything of it as don't know the meaning

Our golden Labrador is Xanthe, partly because of the colour connection and partly because we love the name, but hardly anyone I know has made the colour connection. It’s a beautiful name. Completely agree with Justine though about mos people not knowing how to spell or pronounce it!

I know the meaning but wouldn't think it necessary for someone with the name to be blonde.

The only Xanthe I've known was born at Christmas. She wasn't blonde & I think her parents thought of it as a sort of Christmassy name.

The only xanthe I've ever met was a brunette she was also a complete cow

I know a 14 year old Xanthe. Lovely girl with brown hair.
Names don't have to physically describe the bearer - DD would struggle to be a river!