Origin and Meaning of Xabier

The New House

Origin: Basque - Derived from the Basque place name 'Xabier', meaning 'new house'. The name is often associated with Saint Francis Xavier, who was born in the castle of Javier in Navarre.

• Xabier is a popular name in the Basque Country and among Spanish-speaking communities, particularly due to its association with Saint Francis Xavier, a prominent missionary.
• In Spain, Xabier is often used interchangeably with Javier, although Xabier retains a distinct identity tied to Basque culture.
• Notable bearer of the name includes Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuit Order, who is celebrated in various countries and has a feast day on December 3.
• Although it is less common outside of the Basque region, Xabier has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among parents looking for unique names.
• Variations of the name include Javier, a more common form in broader Spanish-speaking contexts, and Javi, which is a common diminutive.