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Xavier Boy

Popularity: #101 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationZAY-vee-er / /ˈzeɪviər/

Arabic; Basque; Latin

Meaning

Arabic: 'bright'; Basque: 'new house'; Latin: 'the new house'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Xavier has its roots in the Basque language, derived from the place name "Xabier," which means "new house" or "the new home." This name was introduced into the wider European context through Saint Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the 16th century. His missionary work in Asia and his canonization in 1622 significantly contributed to the name's spread across various cultures and languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and eventually English. The name entered the English lexicon primarily through the influence of Catholicism and the Jesuit missions, particularly during the Renaissance when interest in classical and religious figures surged.

Historically, Saint Francis Xavier was born in 1506 in the Kingdom of Navarre, which is now part of Spain. His travels took him to India, Japan, and other parts of Asia, where he played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. His legacy was further solidified by the publication of his letters and accounts of his missionary activities, which were widely disseminated in the 17th century. The name Xavier became particularly associated with the Jesuit educational institutions that emerged in the centuries following his death, reinforcing its connection to scholarship and religious devotion.

Culturally, the name Xavier carries connotations of enlightenment, exploration, and commitment to faith, reflecting the life and mission of its most famous bearer. The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often retaining its original pronunciation. In some contexts, diminutives such as "Xavi" are used, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries, further illustrating the name's adaptability and enduring appeal. The historical and cultural significance of Xavier continues to resonate, making it a name rich in meaning and tradition.

Trend Summary

Xavier has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Javier
  • Xavi

International Variants

  • Javier (Spanish)
  • Xabier (Basque)
  • Xavier (French)
  • Xavi (Catalan)

Famous people named Xavier

Xavier Dolan is a filmmaker and actor best known for Mommy, I Killed My Mother, and Laurence Anyways.

Xavier Niel is an entrepreneur best known for founding Iliad and Free.

Xavier Rudd is a musician best known for his albums Solace, Spirit Bird, and Food in the Belly.

Xavier McDaniel is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics and New York Knicks.

Xavier Cugat was a bandleader and violinist best known for his contributions to Latin music and his work in Hollywood films.

Fictional characters named Xavier

Xavier is a fictional character from the comic book series X-Men. He is the founder of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning and a powerful telepath who advocates for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants.

Xavier is a fictional character from the animated series The Fairly OddParents. He is a fairy godparent who helps Timmy Turner navigate his challenges with magical solutions.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Xavier was first seen in the United States in 1886. Xavier has ranked as high as #100 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Xavier has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Xavier (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 599
19%
TX 458
14%
FL 188
6%
NY 140
4%
AZ 118
4%
IL 114
4%
OH 108
3%
GA 107
3%
PA 103
3%
NC 87
3%
MI 83
3%
IN 81
3%
VA 71
2%
TN 66
2%
WA 66
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18865
18908
18945
18965
18975
19076
19126
19136
19147
191515
191628
191720
191817
191912
19205
192115
192219
192316
19249
192517
192615
192714
192823
192921
193017
193120
193219
193314
193416
193514
193621
193715
193820
193916
194023
194122
194236
194328
194437
194535
194640
194750
194860
194964
195063
195179
195284
1953101
1954106
1955112
195675
1957123
195882
1959131
1960126
1961177
1962156
1963182
1964177
1965153
1966211
1967182
1968210
1969226
1970221
1971271
1972255
1973275
1974299
1975308
1976290
1977344
1978333
1979273
1980332
1981345
1982422
1983482
1984534
1985625
1986746
1987970
19881,231
19891,356
19901,647
19911,812
19922,243
19932,447
19942,528
19952,395
19962,507
19972,590
19982,931
19993,190
20003,640
20013,979
20024,648
20035,066
20045,016
20054,879
20066,184
20076,560
20086,288
20096,222
20105,765
20115,449
20125,385
20134,997
20144,788
20154,660
20164,624
20174,518
20184,340
20194,191
20203,900
20213,741
20223,617
20233,432
20243,337