Not French but....

[loueytb3]

Xavier? Would you think it was odd in a English family with no French connections? We are really struggling with boys names and it is the only name that DH has suggested that I would consider. He has begrudgingly said that he doesnt mind Joseph and Noah off my list. We have 2 boys already both with fairly biblical names, not because we are religious, just because we liked them.

[belgo]

Does it pass the Asda test?

[MeantToStopAtTwo]

I think it's fine. Would you say that you admire French culture? Or at least know a little about it?

There are names I wouldn't consider because I'm largely ignorant about the culture they come from.

[CristinaTheAstonishing]

I think it's OK if you like it. Ours have German names because we liked them.

[said]

Oh, have it if you like it. I wanted Etienne - was told to stop it vetoed

[ohbabybaby]

I think it is quite acceptable, I don't think you need french connections for that name, same as you don't need to be french to call a child Louis.

[evamummy]

Only issue could be the pronunciation. French and Germans would pronounce it Xavier (Ksavier) whereas I've heard English people pronounce it with a Z so Zavier which I'm less keen on.

[belgo]

and in spanish I think it's pronounced with an H?

[JamieAgain]

There may be the constant need to spell or explain the pronounciation of the name. It seems a bit out there compared to Noah and Joseph. Maybe something in the middle?

[Dreya]

I love the name Xavier and don't think it matters at all that you are not French. My DD has a French name. I love France and French culture so it was of no surprise to anyone. I say if you and DH like it then go for it! Which pronunciation would you use? I like both but slightly prefer 'Zavier'

[mypersonalfavourite]

Great names. Lots of English children have it.

[squeak2392]

I've never heard the French pn; I associated it more with Spanish/Portuguese. I've gotta admit, I really don't like that pn though, and it's very different to most Biblical names.

I love Xavier as in Professor X though - Ex-ay-vee-yer.

[Greythorne]

Evamummy
I think the French pronounce it 'zavv-ier". There is no hard k sound at the beginning in French.
In English it tends to be "zave-ier", to ryhme with saviour.

[tigercametotea]

Some English people have this name too and they pronounce it "Zavier" so no I don't think it would be odd if your DS was called that. The Spanish version I would have thought would be "Xavi" which is pronounced "Chavi" or "Shavi" (if Catalonian)??

[Youcantaffordme]

It is not exclusively French, as others have said. It's often used with Francis, after the Jesuit saint Francis Xavier.

[loueytb3]

Thanks for all your replies - I'm glad its not getting a total thumbs down. I would pronounce it zavv-ier, which may be a slightly anglicised way of saying it, but it's the way I've always said it (probably can blame it on a rubbish French teacher at school). I've just had a look at the UK list of registered baby names and it was 202 on the boys list in 2009.

I also love Louis but DS2's name is too similar to use it. I would love to use it as a MN though.

Belgo - what's the Asda test???

[evamummy]

The little French Xavier I know pronounces it gza vee é. I like that pronunciation but I don't like it with a Z, esp not to rhyme with saviour .

[belgo]

Will you be able to call the name down the aisles of Asda without feeling even the tiniest bit embarrassed?