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Javier

♂ Boy

Pronounced hah-VYAIR /xaˈβjer/High

Meaning: New house; from Basque Etxeberria (new house), the birthplace of Saint Francis XavierHigh

In 30 seconds: The Spanish form of Xavier, meaning 'new house' from Basque — the birthplace of Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuits. One of the most beloved names across the Spanish-speaking world.
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Origin HighSpanish, Basque
MeaningNew house; from Basque Etxeberria (new house), the birthplace of Saint Francis Xavier
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 96,273

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200119172017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Javier is the Spanish form of Xavier, which derives from the Basque place name Etxeberri or Etxeberria ('the new house'), the birthplace in Navarre, Spain, of Saint Francis Xavier (Francisco de Jasso y Azpilcueta, 1506–1552). Saint Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and one of the greatest Catholic missionaries in history.

Javier has been one of the most popular boys' names in Spain and Latin America for centuries, due to devotion to Saint Francis Xavier. In the United States it has ranked consistently in the top 200 boys' names, driven by the large Hispanic community. The name also carries cultural prestige through figures such as actor Javier Bardem.

Did you know? Saint Francis Xavier (1506–1552) was born at the castle of Xavier (Javier) in Navarre, Spain — the castle's Basque name Etxeberria means 'new house,' and the saint's name became synonymous with missionary zeal worldwide.

Variations

XavierXabier

Nicknames

JaviJav

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Francis Xavier (1506–1552)
    Spanish Jesuit missionary, co-founder of the Society of Jesus, patron saint of missions.
  • ★Javier Bardem (b. 1969)
    Spanish actor and Academy Award winner for <em>No Country for Old Men</em>.

If you like Javier…

Xavier— the English spelling of the same name
Alejandro— iconic Spanish classic of equal stature and popularity
Mateo— popular Spanish biblical name in the same top-100 company
Miguel— Spanish classic equally beloved across Latin America

Frequently Asked

What does the name Javier mean?

Javier means 'new house,' from the Basque place name Etxeberria — the birthplace of Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuits.

How do you pronounce Javier?

In Spanish, Javier is pronounced hah-VYAIR (/xaˈβjer/) — two syllables with stress on the second, with the J sounding like an English H.

Is Javier a boy or girl name?

Javier is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Javier?

Javier has been a consistent top-200 U.S. boys' name, especially popular in Latino communities.