Find out how popular the first name Exavier has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Exavier by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Exavier is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 19 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Exavier.

The history of the first name Exavier

The name Exavier has its roots in the ancient Celtic language, originating from the region that is now modern-day France and parts of the British Isles. It is derived from the old Celtic word "ex-avir," which translates to "from the river." This suggests that the name was likely given to those who lived near or along a significant river or waterway.

The earliest known recorded use of the name Exavier dates back to the 6th century AD, where it was found in a collection of Gaulish inscriptions discovered near the city of Lyon in France. These inscriptions were written in the ancient Celtic language and were believed to be records of births, deaths, and other significant events within the local community.

During the Middle Ages, the name Exavier gained some popularity among the nobility and upper classes of medieval Europe. One notable figure bearing this name was Exavier de Montfort, a French knight who fought in the Third Crusade under Richard the Lionheart in the late 12th century. Another early bearer of the name was Exavier de Valois, a 14th-century French nobleman and courtier during the reign of King Philip IV.

In the Renaissance period, the name Exavier appeared in several literary works, including a 16th-century play by the English dramatist John Lyly titled "Endymion, or The Man in the Moon." One of the characters in the play was named Exavier, described as a courtier and friend of the main protagonist, Endymion.

Moving into the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Exavier continued to be used, albeit more rarely. One notable figure from this time was Exavier de Sade, a French aristocrat and soldier who served in the Thirty Years' War. He was the uncle of the infamous Marquis de Sade, the controversial philosopher and writer.

In the 19th century, Exavier gained some popularity as a first name among the French-speaking population of North America, particularly in the Canadian province of Quebec. One notable bearer of the name from this period was Exavier Mignault, a Quebec lawyer and judge who served on the Supreme Court of Canada in the late 1800s.

While the name Exavier has never been among the most common first names, it has maintained a small but consistent presence throughout history, particularly in areas with Celtic or French cultural influences. Its unique origins and historical connections make it a distinctive and intriguing choice for a first name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Exavier was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Exavier, please contact us.

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