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 (file)
Proper noun
Xaver m (proper noun, strong, genitive Xavers or (with an article) Xaver)
- 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.