Xaver

See also: Xavér

German

Etymology

From Spanish Xavier (older spelling of Javier), after 16th-century Catholic saint Francis Xavier.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈksaːvər/, [ˈksaː.vɐ]

• Audio

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Proper noun

Xaver m (proper noun, strong, genitive Xavers or (with an article) Xaver)

1. a male given name, equivalent to English Xavier

Usage notes

• Often combined with Franz as Franz Xaver or Franz-Xaver.
• The name has traditionally been restricted by sect as well as region, namely to Catholics (Francis Xavier being a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation), and mostly to Upper German (i.e. southern) areas, where initial /ks/ (spelt gs-) is a usual onset in the local dialects and thus poses no phonetic difficulty. It is most common in Bavaria and Austria.