Xavier is a name of Spanish and Basque origin, meaning "new house" or "bright". It has a rich history, dating back to the 16th century when it was first used as a given name.
The name Xavier was originally a surname derived from the Basque word 'Etxeberri', which translates to 'new house'. It is believed that the name gained popularity due to its association with Saint Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and one of the most influential figures in Christianity.
Saint Francis Xavier was born into a noble family in the Basque country of Spain in 1506. He studied at the University of Paris where he met Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Together they established the Society of Jesus, which became one of the largest and most influential Catholic orders.
The name Xavier began to be used as a given name in honor of Saint Francis Xavier, particularly among Catholic families. It has since become popular around the world, with variations such as Xavier, Xaviere, Xavierito, and Xaviero.
Today, Xavier is often associated with intelligence, leadership, and a strong sense of faith and devotion. However, it is important to note that these traits are not universally applicable to all people named Xavier, but rather reflect the historical significance of Saint Francis Xavier and his contributions to Christianity.
In summary, Xavier is a name of Spanish and Basque origin meaning 'new house' or 'bright'. It has a rich history associated with Saint Francis Xavier, one of the co-founders of the Society of Jesus. Today, it is widely used as a given name around the world, reflecting its association with intelligence, leadership, and faith.
Xavier has had an inconsistent number of births over the years, ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 11. The most recent five-year period (2018-2023) saw some fluctuation but tended towards the higher end of this range. Overall, there have been 105 Xavier births recorded since 2002.