Xiè is the 23rd most common name, Xià is the 65th most common one. There's plenty of others who are very similar, but the pronunciation will be much different, so I'm skipping those.
But when you just need to argue semantics to make your point, perhaps your point isn't that strong at all. And honestly, the spelling of "Xi" has indeed nothing to do with my argument, it was the deeper point that is at issue. I.e. the ongoing abuse towards Asians, naming the virus Xi simply would fuel it.
You’ve completely missed the point, and continue to argue semantics. Wether they’re different variants or not does not matter to your average non-Chinese speaker. You know my stance, I’ve explained it, I have no interest in continuing this argument with you.
I don't care about your other reasoning. I am just stating the fact. Xi is not a common name. I don't care about your other thoughts either. No point in arguing.
