All about the name
Xavier
Male
« Xavier is a Spanish-derived name from the Basque 'Etxeberri', meaning 'new house'. Popularized by St Francis Xavier, it's been widely used throughout history and literature, notably in Cervantes' 'Don Quixote'. Today, Xavier remains a popular choice for boys' names. »
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Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Xavier since 1880
Total births
153,632
Total since 1880
Peak year
2007
6,560 births
in 2023
3,413
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-2%
→
vs previous 5 years