Xaver

Xaver is a masculine given name used primarily in German-speaking countries. It is a variant of Xavier and is ultimately derived from the Basque name Xabier, the local form of the place name Javier in Navarre, Spain. The etymology is uncertain, but the most common association is with the meaning "new house" in Basque, though some sources link Xavier to other interpretations.

The name rose to international prominence through Saint Francis Xavier (1506–1552), a co-founder of the Society of Jesus, whose missionary work helped popularize the form Xavier in various languages. In German-speaking regions, Xaver remains a traditional given name and is often shortened to nicknames such as Xavi or Xavo.

In modern usage, Xaver is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with occasional use in other European countries. It is typically given to boys and does not function as a surname in standard use. Variants include Xavier, Javier, Xabier, and related forms in different languages. The form Xaver is recognized as a distinct spelling in German-speaking contexts, while Xavier is more common in English- and Romance-language settings. The name Xaver is part of a broader family of names derived from the Xavier/Xabier lineage and may appear in literature, film, and contemporary naming trends.