Javier (name)

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Javier (hav-YEHR, HA-Vee-air) is the Spanish version of the masculine name, Xavier in French, Catalan and English. The name has Basque roots, etymologically originating in the word exaberri (etxe berri in standard spelling, meaning "new house"). It also has Arabic roots meaning "bright". It has been phonetically influenced by Latin and has evolved along with other Castilian words. Other variations of this name includes Xabier, Xaverius, Xaver, Xever, Saverio, Giaffar, and Jaffar. The feminine Javiera, Saveria, Zaviera, and Saverina are less common.

Etxebarri, Chávarri, Etxeberria are other versions of the word, used as surnames.

Its diffusion may be due mainly to the castle of Javier in Navarre, Spain. The Jesuit priest and missionary Saint Francis Xavier (Spanish: San Francisco Javier) was a member of the local noble family and when he was canonized, places and people were named after him which popularized the name. Contemporary use of the name Javier is commonly found in Spain and Latin American countries where the name is popular.