Xavier

Xavier - A unique male name

Xavier appeared on the charts for the first time in 1915 on position #1505. In this article you'll learn the history of this name, statistics, see famous people named Xavier and more.
Are you having a baby or looking to learn more about the name Xavier? Our experts and editorial staff have gathered trends and insights for 30,000+ baby names over the last 100 years -- And on this page you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the name Xavier. The baby boy name Xavier was given to 3,225 baby boys in 2025, ranking #108 on the national boy baby name top chart.


With that position 1 in 455 baby boys were given this name - making this a unique male name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Xavier peaked in popularity 19 years ago in 2007 on position 68.

Famous with this name

How would you rate Xavier, 1-5?

Xavier is currently topping the charts in...

Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Xavier is currently topping the baby name charts in New Mexico at position #43 - and is the least popular in Idaho at position #331.

Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Xavier is where you live.

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Xavier origin and meaning

Basque place name, via Saint Francis Xavier

"New house" — from Basque etxe, "house", and berri, "new"

Xavier is the name of a castle and village in Navarre, the birthplace of the 16th-century missionary Saint Francis Xavier, whose surname made it a given name across the Catholic world. It peaked in America in 2007.

Attested etymology

Xavier is a 6 letter name with 2 syllables.

To see famous people named Xavier, pop culture references for the name Xavier and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.

Similar to Xavier

We've found the following names that sound similar to Xavier, sorted by popularity.

Xzavier / Xavior / Xaiver / Xaviar / Xzayvier / Xzavior /

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Name statistics

Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better understanding of how popular or unique this name is.

With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually differ a lot from state to state.

Chart position per year (visualized)

Chart position per state (visualized)

Chart position per year (table view)

Chart position per state (table view)

Even more about Xavier

These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.

Is Xavier a common or unique name?

By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a unique male name.

What is the number of syllables for the name Xavier?

2 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.

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Pronunciation

ZAY-vee-er · /ˈzeɪviər/
American families split between ZAY-vee-er, egz-AY-vee-er and HAH-vee-air (closer to Spanish Javier) — all three are established.

Around the world

• Javier (Spanish) — The Spanish form of the same saint's name.
• Xabier (Basque) — The Basque form.
• Xavier (French) — Used as-is in French, pronounced gzav-YAY.
• Xavier (Portuguese) — Used as-is in Portuguese.

Spellings and nicknames

• Xzavier — A respelling with an added z.
• Zavier — A Z respelling.

Nicknames: XaviZay

Famous bearers

• Saint Francis Xavier — Basque Jesuit missionary, one of the most travelled evangelists of the 16th century — born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta, he took Xavier from his birthplace (1506–1552) Historical
• Xavier Dolan — Canadian film director and actor (b. 1989) Contemporary
• Xavier McDaniel — NBA forward known for his years with the Seattle SuperSonics (b. 1963) Contemporary

Style

InternationalClassic

Why parents choose it

Parents like Xavier for its rare X initial, international reach and quietly Catholic history — distinctive in sound, established in substance.

Worth knowing

• Three pronunciations are in genuine use, so a Xavier spends a lifetime saying which one is his.