Xavier

American  

[zey-vee-er, zav-ee-, zey-vyer] / ˈzeɪ vi ər, ˈzæv i-, ˈzeɪ vyər /

noun

1. Saint Francis Francisco Javierthe Apostle of the Indies, 1506–52, Spanish Jesuit missionary, especially in India and Japan.

2. a male given name: from an Arabic word meaning “bright.”

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Xavier British  

/ xaˈβjɛr, ˈzeɪvɪə, ˈzæv- /

noun

1. Saint Francis, known as the Apostle of the Indies. 1506–52, Spanish missionary, who was a founding member of the Jesuit society (1534) and later preached in Goa, Ceylon, the East Indies, and Japan. Feast day: Dec 3

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Other Word Forms

• Xaverian adjective

Example Sentences

The region's President Xavier Bertrand confirmed the death of the TGV driver and described the accident as a "terrible tragedy".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Mr. Bonta has held the post since 2021, when he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to succeed Xavier Becerra, who joined President Biden’s cabinet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Gen. Xavier Becerra, who is also running for governor and is the senior voting rights advisor for UCLA’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Another contender, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, overlaps with Villaraigosa when it comes to biographical details: Both are from the L.A. area, Latino and relatively close in age.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

“My name is Father Francis Patrick Xavier Mulrooney,” he announced in a voice so cold it sent chills down Alex’s spine, in spite of the hothouse atmosphere of the chapel.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer