Xaver

Xaver is a masculine name with German and Bavarian origins, functioning as a variant of Xavier. The name ultimately derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house,' and was popularized by St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. While Xavier (or Javier in Spanish) is widely recognized internationally, Xaver represents a more regionally specific Germanic form, particularly common in Bavaria, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name has a strong, distinctive sound and the uncommon initial 'X' gives it a bold, memorable quality. Despite being less familiar in English-speaking countries, Xaver offers an intriguing international alternative with authentic historical usage.

Pronounced ZAH-ver.

As of October 2026, Xaver ranked #13979 in US births in 2014 SSA, peaked at #4155 in 1988.