Xavier is a name of Spanish origin that has been widely used throughout the world over time. It comes from the Basque name Etxeberri, which means "new house." The name Xavier was popularized by the Catholic saint Francis Xavier, who was born in Spain and became known for his missionary work in Asia during the 16th century.
The name Xavier has also been used in literature, most notably in the works of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. In his novel "Don Quixote," one of the characters is named Xavier. This further contributed to the popularity of the name throughout Europe and beyond.
Today, Xavier remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet traditional name for their sons. It has been used by many notable figures throughout history, including Xavier University founder Joseph Xavier Moore, French explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson, and even actor Javier Bardem, who is named after the famous Spanish city of Xàbia.
In summary, the name Xavier has roots in Basque culture and was popularized through Catholicism and literature. It remains a distinctive and timeless choice for parents today.
The name Xavier has seen significant fluctuations and growth in popularity over the past century-plus. From its early years where it was hardly used (just 5 births per year on average from 1886 to 1947), Xavier's popularity began to rise dramatically post-World War II, peaking at an astonishing 3609 births in 2022 alone. This marked a remarkable increase from its previous high of 2931 births in 1998. Interestingly, after reaching this pinnacle, the name's usage has begun to decline again slightly, with 3413 births recorded in 2023. Overall, since records began until 2023, Xavier has been bestowed upon over 153632 newborns, indicating its enduring appeal and rising popularity throughout much of the 20th and early 21st centuries.