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.

Does it pass the Asda test?

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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'

Great names. Lots of English children have it.

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.

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.

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)??

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

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???

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 .

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