Xavier is a unique and distinctive name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Basque name "Etchegoin," which means "good house." The name was popularized by Saint Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the 16th century. Born in a noble family near Bilbao in the Basque Country, he dedicated his life to spreading Christianity and is considered one of the greatest missionaries in history. Today, Xavier is still used as both a given name and surname throughout Spain and other parts of Europe, as well as in the Philippines, where Saint Francis Xavier's influence was significant. Despite its Spanish origins, the name Xavier has gained global popularity due to its association with the renowned saint and its attractive sound. It is often associated with the idea of travel, exploration, and spirituality, reflecting the life and deeds of Saint Francis Xavier.
The name Xavier has seen a range of popularity over the past decade and a half in the United States, with the number of births per year fluctuating between five and ten.
In 1997, there were six births recorded for the name Xavier. This number decreased slightly to five in the year 2000. However, by 2004, the popularity of the name had increased significantly, with nine babies named Xavier that year. The trend continued with seven births in both 2005 and 2006.
The year 2008 saw a slight dip in popularity again, with only six births recorded for the name Xavier. However, this downward trend was reversed in 2009 and 2010, with ten and eight births respectively. The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate in recent years, with seven births each in both 2011 and 2012.
Overall, between 1997 and 2012, there were a total of seventy-four babies named Xavier born in the United States. While the number of births has varied over this period, it is clear that Xavier remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their child.