Xavier: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Xavier mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Basque: New house
Spanish: Bright
French: Enlightened
Arabic: Bright; splendid

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Xavier is pronounced zay-vee-er or ksay-vee-er

The name Xavier has its Western origins in the Basque place name Etcheberria or Etxeberria, meaning "the new house." It became widely known through Saint Francis Xavier, one of the co-founders of the Jesuit order, as a name after the Spanish-Basque village where he was born. The name is used in various forms in different languages, notably in Spanish.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Portuguese and Catalan: from the personal name Xavier, Portuguese and Catalan forms of Basque Xabier (see Javier).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Donny Wahlberg

Xavier in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Professor Charles Xavier from X-Men - A powerful telepath and the leader of the X-Men, he is also the founder of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Xavier Woods from WWE - A professional wrestler and a member of The New Day, known for his energetic persona and accomplishments in WWE.
Xavier from Xavier: Renegade Angel - The protagonist of the animated television series, he's depicted as a wandering philosopher with surreal adventures.
Xavier Quinn from The Mighty Quinn - The main character in the film, played by Denzel Washington, who is a police chief investigating a crime in a small Caribbean island.
Xavier Thorpe from Wednesday - A character in the TV series who is a student at Nevermore Academy, and one of Morticia's and Gomez Addams' children.

Popularity of the Name Xavier

According to Social Security Administration data, Xavier has maintained a steady presence within the top 100 baby names in the United States over recent years. But as of 2023, it is ranked over the top 100 most popular name for boys, ranking at 105.

Xavier has historical significance with notable figures such as Saint Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Jesuit order. In contemporary culture, the name is associated with various actors and characters, including actor Xavier Samuel and the iconic fictional character Professor Charles Xavier from the X-Men series. This blend of historical and modern-day associations helps maintain Xavier's enduring appeal among parents.