Xavier
Xavier is a boy name of Basque, Arabic origin meaning “New house, bright”, pronounced ZAY-vee-er. It ranked #108 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,232 babies, and peaked at #68 in 2007. Common nicknames: Xavi, X, Zay.
How popular is 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.
What does Xavier mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Xavier used 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.
What are the 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
Similar Names to Xavier
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Sibling Name Ideas for Xavier
Looking for names that pair well with Xavier? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.