Xavier
New house, bright — a boy name of Basque, Arabic origin
Popularity of Xavier in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Xavier
Xavier derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "the new house." The name became widely known through Saint Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish Navarrese Catholic missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), who was born in the Castle of Xavier in the Kingdom of Navarre. The Arabic influence comes from the Moorish presence in the Iberian Peninsula, where "Javier" may also be connected to the Arabic word for "bright" or "splendid." Xavier has been a staple in Catholic communities for centuries and has grown into a broadly popular name in the English-speaking world, consistently ranking in the top 100 boy names in the United States.
Xavier Around the World
Xavier is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 10+ international variants.
Female FormXaviera
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Xavier
Famous People Named Xavier
- Xavier Dolan — Canadian filmmaker and actor
- Saint Francis Xavier — Catholic missionary and co-founder of the Jesuits
- Xavier Hernández (Xavi) — Spanish professional footballer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Xavier
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Xavier mean?
Xavier is a boy name of Basque, Arabic origin meaning "New house, bright." Xavier derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "the new house." The name became widely known through Saint Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish Navarrese Catholic missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), who was born in the Castle of Xavier in the Kingdom of Navarre.
How do you pronounce Xavier?
Xavier is pronounced ZAY-vee-er. Common variations include Javier, Xzavier, Zavier.
Is Xavier a boy name?
Yes, Xavier is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Xavi, X, Zay, Xave.
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