Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Xana

Xana is a Spanish and Portuguese female name. Well, not really. Let’s back up. It’s actually an Asturian name. What’s Asturian, you ask? It’s a native people of Spain; Asturias is an autonomous principality in the mountainous region of northwest Spain. Asturians trace their roots back to the ancient Celtic tribes with some Visigothic (Germanic) heritage mixed in for good measure. Like the Celts of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, these people were not easily subdued – not by the invading Romans in the centuries before Christ, not by the Germanic tribes occupying the area in the 5th century A.D. and certainly not by the Moors in the 8th century. In fact, the seeds of the Reconquista took root in Asturias. These people were/are no wilting flowers, to be sure. Like most folks of Celtic background, the mythologies of the Asturian people are no less lively and colorful. The Xanas are water fairies – beautiful, mysterious and magical. Often depicted as lovely nymphs combing their long golden locks of hair, and dwelling alongside pools of fresh water in the forest, the Xana are known to be both mischievously playful and downright rascally. They are best known for switching their babies (called Xaninos) for human infants in the middle of the night. Because the Xanas are unable to produce milk for their newborns, they snatch a human baby and leave their own behind. After the Xanino is weaned, a reverse exchange takes place. They are also treasure-keepers of vast amounts of silver and gold with which they reward humans who help them escape the clutches of a big serpent known as Cuelebre. When the Xana is happy, her enchanting, magical singing is heard at night – her song brings peace to good souls, while bad souls are driven mad by the sound. The origin of the Asturian word “Xana” is not certain, although several etymologists believe it may be a dialectical corruption of the Latin Diana (earlier: Diviana) meaning “divine” from the Proto-Indo-European root *dheu- meaning "to shine" (Pok. 261).

All About the Baby Name – Xana

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME XANA

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME XANA

Xana is a very rare name and one which has never held a position on the American female naming charts. In fact, we can say with certainty that less than five babies born in the U.S. in 2012 were given the name Xana. Most American parents are unaware of its existence – mythological or otherwise. Highly original and historically interesting – not to mention a “shining” etymology – we give this one a resounding thumbs-up!

Quick Facts

ON XANA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Spanish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

ZAN-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Divine, to shine (Asturian water fairy)

Characteristics

OF XANA

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Xana

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME XANA

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME XANA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Xana


Popular Songs

ON XANA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Xana


Famous People

NAMED XANA

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Xana.

Children of Famous People

NAMED XANA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Xana

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME XANA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Xana