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X-Men: Origin of the pronunciation of “Xavier”
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The pronunciation of Charles Xavier's family name ("egg-savier") is distinctly odd and counterintuitive. Not having read the comics as a kid, when I watched the movies, I was convinced for a long time that his name was "Charles X. Xavier" (Charles Xavier Xavier? That wouldn't be even close to the weirdest name some real world parents choose for their kids). Is there an in-universe explanation for why it this particular pronunciation exists?
marvel x-men
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
|
show 10 more comments
The pronunciation of Charles Xavier's family name ("egg-savier") is distinctly odd and counterintuitive. Not having read the comics as a kid, when I watched the movies, I was convinced for a long time that his name was "Charles X. Xavier" (Charles Xavier Xavier? That wouldn't be even close to the weirdest name some real world parents choose for their kids). Is there an in-universe explanation for why it this particular pronunciation exists?
marvel x-men
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
12
The pronunciation "egg-zay-vee-yerr" is fairly common in English speaking countries. I know two people with that first name who pronounce it the same way. I also know a person from Spain with that first name, and it's pronounced "haa-vee-yeah-rr"
– phantom42
Mar 1 '15 at 21:14
But it should have been "Zav-yay". Patrick Stewart always has French names, pronounced the French way, in movies. Why should this movie franchise be any different?
– Mr Lister
Mar 1 '15 at 22:07
3
Both are common pronunciations of it. I think "ex-zavier" is the more common way to pronounce it in USA, so that's what they went with. Also it emphasises the "X" in his name - otherwise people might ask why they're not called the "Z-Men" because their leader's name is "Zavier"...
– Adeptus
Mar 2 '15 at 4:23
3
this might be better posted on the English Language Exchange
– Daft
Mar 2 '15 at 10:17
3
I have to disagree with your basic premise: there is, in fact, absolutely nothing odd or counterintuitive about pronouncing Xavier as /eggs-ah-vee-air/, at least in English.
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:11
|
show 10 more comments
The pronunciation of Charles Xavier's family name ("egg-savier") is distinctly odd and counterintuitive. Not having read the comics as a kid, when I watched the movies, I was convinced for a long time that his name was "Charles X. Xavier" (Charles Xavier Xavier? That wouldn't be even close to the weirdest name some real world parents choose for their kids). Is there an in-universe explanation for why it this particular pronunciation exists?
marvel x-men
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
The pronunciation of Charles Xavier's family name ("egg-savier") is distinctly odd and counterintuitive. Not having read the comics as a kid, when I watched the movies, I was convinced for a long time that his name was "Charles X. Xavier" (Charles Xavier Xavier? That wouldn't be even close to the weirdest name some real world parents choose for their kids). Is there an in-universe explanation for why it this particular pronunciation exists?
marvel x-men
marvel x-men
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
edited Mar 12 '17 at 18:53
Mithrandir
25.7k9133186
25.7k9133186
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
asked Mar 1 '15 at 20:45
KolditoKoldito
1,76511528
1,76511528
12
The pronunciation "egg-zay-vee-yerr" is fairly common in English speaking countries. I know two people with that first name who pronounce it the same way. I also know a person from Spain with that first name, and it's pronounced "haa-vee-yeah-rr"
– phantom42
Mar 1 '15 at 21:14
But it should have been "Zav-yay". Patrick Stewart always has French names, pronounced the French way, in movies. Why should this movie franchise be any different?
– Mr Lister
Mar 1 '15 at 22:07
3
Both are common pronunciations of it. I think "ex-zavier" is the more common way to pronounce it in USA, so that's what they went with. Also it emphasises the "X" in his name - otherwise people might ask why they're not called the "Z-Men" because their leader's name is "Zavier"...
– Adeptus
Mar 2 '15 at 4:23
3
this might be better posted on the English Language Exchange
– Daft
Mar 2 '15 at 10:17
3
I have to disagree with your basic premise: there is, in fact, absolutely nothing odd or counterintuitive about pronouncing Xavier as /eggs-ah-vee-air/, at least in English.
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:11
|
show 10 more comments
12
The pronunciation "egg-zay-vee-yerr" is fairly common in English speaking countries. I know two people with that first name who pronounce it the same way. I also know a person from Spain with that first name, and it's pronounced "haa-vee-yeah-rr"
– phantom42
Mar 1 '15 at 21:14
But it should have been "Zav-yay". Patrick Stewart always has French names, pronounced the French way, in movies. Why should this movie franchise be any different?
– Mr Lister
Mar 1 '15 at 22:07
3
Both are common pronunciations of it. I think "ex-zavier" is the more common way to pronounce it in USA, so that's what they went with. Also it emphasises the "X" in his name - otherwise people might ask why they're not called the "Z-Men" because their leader's name is "Zavier"...
– Adeptus
Mar 2 '15 at 4:23
3
this might be better posted on the English Language Exchange
– Daft
Mar 2 '15 at 10:17
3
I have to disagree with your basic premise: there is, in fact, absolutely nothing odd or counterintuitive about pronouncing Xavier as /eggs-ah-vee-air/, at least in English.
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:11
12
12
The pronunciation "egg-zay-vee-yerr" is fairly common in English speaking countries. I know two people with that first name who pronounce it the same way. I also know a person from Spain with that first name, and it's pronounced "haa-vee-yeah-rr"
– phantom42
Mar 1 '15 at 21:14
The pronunciation "egg-zay-vee-yerr" is fairly common in English speaking countries. I know two people with that first name who pronounce it the same way. I also know a person from Spain with that first name, and it's pronounced "haa-vee-yeah-rr"
– phantom42
Mar 1 '15 at 21:14
But it should have been "Zav-yay". Patrick Stewart always has French names, pronounced the French way, in movies. Why should this movie franchise be any different?
– Mr Lister
Mar 1 '15 at 22:07
But it should have been "Zav-yay". Patrick Stewart always has French names, pronounced the French way, in movies. Why should this movie franchise be any different?
– Mr Lister
Mar 1 '15 at 22:07
3
3
Both are common pronunciations of it. I think "ex-zavier" is the more common way to pronounce it in USA, so that's what they went with. Also it emphasises the "X" in his name - otherwise people might ask why they're not called the "Z-Men" because their leader's name is "Zavier"...
– Adeptus
Mar 2 '15 at 4:23
Both are common pronunciations of it. I think "ex-zavier" is the more common way to pronounce it in USA, so that's what they went with. Also it emphasises the "X" in his name - otherwise people might ask why they're not called the "Z-Men" because their leader's name is "Zavier"...
– Adeptus
Mar 2 '15 at 4:23
3
3
this might be better posted on the English Language Exchange
– Daft
Mar 2 '15 at 10:17
this might be better posted on the English Language Exchange
– Daft
Mar 2 '15 at 10:17
3
3
I have to disagree with your basic premise: there is, in fact, absolutely nothing odd or counterintuitive about pronouncing Xavier as /eggs-ah-vee-air/, at least in English.
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:11
I have to disagree with your basic premise: there is, in fact, absolutely nothing odd or counterintuitive about pronouncing Xavier as /eggs-ah-vee-air/, at least in English.
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:11
|
show 10 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
This is speculation, but since you asked for an in-universe explanation, one logical explanation does exist:
The mutant association with the letter X.
The X-Men, the mutant X-gene, even "X"-avier himself as a prominent mutant advocate, etc. In-universe, mutants identify a lot with the letter X.
It would therefore make sense for a prominent mutant, either by others or even by himself, to alter the pronunciation of his name to make a political statement. Take as an example, the members of the African American community who changed their names to Muslim names during the civil rights movement, most famously the switch from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. These were political statements being made using a person's name, and they're not the only example.
Again, it's definitely speculation, but it's not hard to imagine a young Charles "Zavier" deciding to pronounce his name as "Charles X-Savior" as he takes up the mantle of Mutant Rights.
Alternatively, "Charles EX-avior" might have started as a insulting deliberate mispronounciation by anti-mutant elements, (e.g. imagine a KKK member sneering at a civil rights advocate named "Danny Brickwell" by calling him "Danny Black-Well"), which was picked up and turned into a positive term by the mutant community, similar to how the term "Obamacare" went from an insult to a term used by both sides.
Either way, given Xavier's position within the mutant community, it's likely that the emphasis on the letter X in his name isn't a coincidence.
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
add a comment |
Wiktionary claims that "Zavier" is the correct pronunciation in both British and American English. It lists "Egs-avier" as an alternate pronunciation specific to the X-Men franchise.
I haven't found a source for this -- but I'm sure I've heard the "Egs-avier" pronunciation used in North America, particularly for the name "Francis Xavier". In "Francis Xavier" (referring to the Catholic saint, or people named after him), this pronunciation serves to emphasise that the name is two separate words -- otherwise it would sound more like "Francizavier".
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
add a comment |
The name, Xavier, is based on a Basque word, etxeberria, which is indeed pronounced with an "eh" at the beginning. It's an unusual pronunciation, but not outside of possibility.
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
My dictionary says:a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"
– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
2
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
5
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
1
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
|
show 1 more comment
No one says X-zerox for Xerox
No one says X-zylophone for Xylophone
No one says X-zenophobe for Xenophone
No one says X-zylograph for Xylograph
Why do people so many ignorant people insist on saying "X" before they say Xavier????
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
add a comment |
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4 Answers
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active
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4 Answers
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active
oldest
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active
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This is speculation, but since you asked for an in-universe explanation, one logical explanation does exist:
The mutant association with the letter X.
The X-Men, the mutant X-gene, even "X"-avier himself as a prominent mutant advocate, etc. In-universe, mutants identify a lot with the letter X.
It would therefore make sense for a prominent mutant, either by others or even by himself, to alter the pronunciation of his name to make a political statement. Take as an example, the members of the African American community who changed their names to Muslim names during the civil rights movement, most famously the switch from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. These were political statements being made using a person's name, and they're not the only example.
Again, it's definitely speculation, but it's not hard to imagine a young Charles "Zavier" deciding to pronounce his name as "Charles X-Savior" as he takes up the mantle of Mutant Rights.
Alternatively, "Charles EX-avior" might have started as a insulting deliberate mispronounciation by anti-mutant elements, (e.g. imagine a KKK member sneering at a civil rights advocate named "Danny Brickwell" by calling him "Danny Black-Well"), which was picked up and turned into a positive term by the mutant community, similar to how the term "Obamacare" went from an insult to a term used by both sides.
Either way, given Xavier's position within the mutant community, it's likely that the emphasis on the letter X in his name isn't a coincidence.
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
add a comment |
This is speculation, but since you asked for an in-universe explanation, one logical explanation does exist:
The mutant association with the letter X.
The X-Men, the mutant X-gene, even "X"-avier himself as a prominent mutant advocate, etc. In-universe, mutants identify a lot with the letter X.
It would therefore make sense for a prominent mutant, either by others or even by himself, to alter the pronunciation of his name to make a political statement. Take as an example, the members of the African American community who changed their names to Muslim names during the civil rights movement, most famously the switch from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. These were political statements being made using a person's name, and they're not the only example.
Again, it's definitely speculation, but it's not hard to imagine a young Charles "Zavier" deciding to pronounce his name as "Charles X-Savior" as he takes up the mantle of Mutant Rights.
Alternatively, "Charles EX-avior" might have started as a insulting deliberate mispronounciation by anti-mutant elements, (e.g. imagine a KKK member sneering at a civil rights advocate named "Danny Brickwell" by calling him "Danny Black-Well"), which was picked up and turned into a positive term by the mutant community, similar to how the term "Obamacare" went from an insult to a term used by both sides.
Either way, given Xavier's position within the mutant community, it's likely that the emphasis on the letter X in his name isn't a coincidence.
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
add a comment |
This is speculation, but since you asked for an in-universe explanation, one logical explanation does exist:
The mutant association with the letter X.
The X-Men, the mutant X-gene, even "X"-avier himself as a prominent mutant advocate, etc. In-universe, mutants identify a lot with the letter X.
It would therefore make sense for a prominent mutant, either by others or even by himself, to alter the pronunciation of his name to make a political statement. Take as an example, the members of the African American community who changed their names to Muslim names during the civil rights movement, most famously the switch from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. These were political statements being made using a person's name, and they're not the only example.
Again, it's definitely speculation, but it's not hard to imagine a young Charles "Zavier" deciding to pronounce his name as "Charles X-Savior" as he takes up the mantle of Mutant Rights.
Alternatively, "Charles EX-avior" might have started as a insulting deliberate mispronounciation by anti-mutant elements, (e.g. imagine a KKK member sneering at a civil rights advocate named "Danny Brickwell" by calling him "Danny Black-Well"), which was picked up and turned into a positive term by the mutant community, similar to how the term "Obamacare" went from an insult to a term used by both sides.
Either way, given Xavier's position within the mutant community, it's likely that the emphasis on the letter X in his name isn't a coincidence.
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
This is speculation, but since you asked for an in-universe explanation, one logical explanation does exist:
The mutant association with the letter X.
The X-Men, the mutant X-gene, even "X"-avier himself as a prominent mutant advocate, etc. In-universe, mutants identify a lot with the letter X.
It would therefore make sense for a prominent mutant, either by others or even by himself, to alter the pronunciation of his name to make a political statement. Take as an example, the members of the African American community who changed their names to Muslim names during the civil rights movement, most famously the switch from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. These were political statements being made using a person's name, and they're not the only example.
Again, it's definitely speculation, but it's not hard to imagine a young Charles "Zavier" deciding to pronounce his name as "Charles X-Savior" as he takes up the mantle of Mutant Rights.
Alternatively, "Charles EX-avior" might have started as a insulting deliberate mispronounciation by anti-mutant elements, (e.g. imagine a KKK member sneering at a civil rights advocate named "Danny Brickwell" by calling him "Danny Black-Well"), which was picked up and turned into a positive term by the mutant community, similar to how the term "Obamacare" went from an insult to a term used by both sides.
Either way, given Xavier's position within the mutant community, it's likely that the emphasis on the letter X in his name isn't a coincidence.
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
edited Mar 2 '15 at 18:21
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
answered Mar 2 '15 at 17:50
NerrolkenNerrolken
27.9k12132185
27.9k12132185
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
add a comment |
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
Actually, I think mutants are associated with "X" because of the X-Men, the original and most prominent team of mutants. And Xavier named the team after himself. That said, I think the "Ex-zavier" pronunciation is something the creators use to emphasize the connection aurally.
– Shawn V. Wilson
Oct 29 '18 at 4:47
add a comment |
Wiktionary claims that "Zavier" is the correct pronunciation in both British and American English. It lists "Egs-avier" as an alternate pronunciation specific to the X-Men franchise.
I haven't found a source for this -- but I'm sure I've heard the "Egs-avier" pronunciation used in North America, particularly for the name "Francis Xavier". In "Francis Xavier" (referring to the Catholic saint, or people named after him), this pronunciation serves to emphasise that the name is two separate words -- otherwise it would sound more like "Francizavier".
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
add a comment |
Wiktionary claims that "Zavier" is the correct pronunciation in both British and American English. It lists "Egs-avier" as an alternate pronunciation specific to the X-Men franchise.
I haven't found a source for this -- but I'm sure I've heard the "Egs-avier" pronunciation used in North America, particularly for the name "Francis Xavier". In "Francis Xavier" (referring to the Catholic saint, or people named after him), this pronunciation serves to emphasise that the name is two separate words -- otherwise it would sound more like "Francizavier".
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
add a comment |
Wiktionary claims that "Zavier" is the correct pronunciation in both British and American English. It lists "Egs-avier" as an alternate pronunciation specific to the X-Men franchise.
I haven't found a source for this -- but I'm sure I've heard the "Egs-avier" pronunciation used in North America, particularly for the name "Francis Xavier". In "Francis Xavier" (referring to the Catholic saint, or people named after him), this pronunciation serves to emphasise that the name is two separate words -- otherwise it would sound more like "Francizavier".
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
Wiktionary claims that "Zavier" is the correct pronunciation in both British and American English. It lists "Egs-avier" as an alternate pronunciation specific to the X-Men franchise.
I haven't found a source for this -- but I'm sure I've heard the "Egs-avier" pronunciation used in North America, particularly for the name "Francis Xavier". In "Francis Xavier" (referring to the Catholic saint, or people named after him), this pronunciation serves to emphasise that the name is two separate words -- otherwise it would sound more like "Francizavier".
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
answered Mar 2 '15 at 9:26
Royal Canadian BanditRoyal Canadian Bandit
33.9k6105129
33.9k6105129
add a comment |
add a comment |
The name, Xavier, is based on a Basque word, etxeberria, which is indeed pronounced with an "eh" at the beginning. It's an unusual pronunciation, but not outside of possibility.
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
My dictionary says:a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"
– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
2
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
5
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
1
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
|
show 1 more comment
The name, Xavier, is based on a Basque word, etxeberria, which is indeed pronounced with an "eh" at the beginning. It's an unusual pronunciation, but not outside of possibility.
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
My dictionary says:a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"
– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
2
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
5
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
1
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
|
show 1 more comment
The name, Xavier, is based on a Basque word, etxeberria, which is indeed pronounced with an "eh" at the beginning. It's an unusual pronunciation, but not outside of possibility.
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
The name, Xavier, is based on a Basque word, etxeberria, which is indeed pronounced with an "eh" at the beginning. It's an unusual pronunciation, but not outside of possibility.
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
edited Sep 8 '15 at 21:54
user14111
106k6410528
106k6410528
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
answered Mar 2 '15 at 12:35
FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots
96.3k12296461
96.3k12296461
My dictionary says:a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"
– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
2
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
5
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
1
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
|
show 1 more comment
My dictionary says:a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"
– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
2
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
5
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
1
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
My dictionary says:
a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
My dictionary says:
a male name, from an Arabic word meaning "bright"– GEdgar
Mar 2 '15 at 13:56
2
2
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
@GEdgar - What dictionary is that? It doesn't sound like any Arabic word I know.
– System Down
Mar 2 '15 at 18:10
5
5
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
@GEdgar: your dictionary probably got it from Charlotte M. Yonge, History of Christian Names (London: MacMillan and Co., 1884). Where Yonge came up with this bit of utter nonsense is anyone's guess, however. (This is the problem with pretty much all the name-origin websites and books out there: they all copy from each other, repeating the same errors and introducing new ones. In this case, it's an error from 1884 still being propagated 130+ years later.)
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:27
1
1
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
@Martha just connected a minor statement about a comic book character back to a linguistics book from 130 years ago, and in doing so demonstrated why I love the Internet.
– Nerrolken
Mar 3 '15 at 0:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
etxeberria: ah, fascinating. So, obviously, all must be also cognate with "Echeverria", which is another decently common name in Spanish (usually a family name)
– Euro Micelli
Sep 9 '15 at 4:51
|
show 1 more comment
No one says X-zerox for Xerox
No one says X-zylophone for Xylophone
No one says X-zenophobe for Xenophone
No one says X-zylograph for Xylograph
Why do people so many ignorant people insist on saying "X" before they say Xavier????
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
add a comment |
No one says X-zerox for Xerox
No one says X-zylophone for Xylophone
No one says X-zenophobe for Xenophone
No one says X-zylograph for Xylograph
Why do people so many ignorant people insist on saying "X" before they say Xavier????
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
add a comment |
No one says X-zerox for Xerox
No one says X-zylophone for Xylophone
No one says X-zenophobe for Xenophone
No one says X-zylograph for Xylograph
Why do people so many ignorant people insist on saying "X" before they say Xavier????
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
No one says X-zerox for Xerox
No one says X-zylophone for Xylophone
No one says X-zenophobe for Xenophone
No one says X-zylograph for Xylograph
Why do people so many ignorant people insist on saying "X" before they say Xavier????
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
answered 7 mins ago
Paul aka HarryPaul aka Harry
1
1
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Paul aka Harry is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
add a comment |
1
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
1
1
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Hi, welcome to SF&F! While I completely agree with you, this doesn't really answer the question... :) I'm guessing you're trying to comment on the question, so this shouldn't be posted as an answer. Please read How to Answer.
– DavidW
3 mins ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
Welcome to SciFi.SE! The question is why "Xavier" is pronounced like that, not why it shouldn't be, so this isn't an answer. Please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site.
– F1Krazy
1 min ago
add a comment |
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12
The pronunciation "egg-zay-vee-yerr" is fairly common in English speaking countries. I know two people with that first name who pronounce it the same way. I also know a person from Spain with that first name, and it's pronounced "haa-vee-yeah-rr"
– phantom42
Mar 1 '15 at 21:14
But it should have been "Zav-yay". Patrick Stewart always has French names, pronounced the French way, in movies. Why should this movie franchise be any different?
– Mr Lister
Mar 1 '15 at 22:07
3
Both are common pronunciations of it. I think "ex-zavier" is the more common way to pronounce it in USA, so that's what they went with. Also it emphasises the "X" in his name - otherwise people might ask why they're not called the "Z-Men" because their leader's name is "Zavier"...
– Adeptus
Mar 2 '15 at 4:23
3
this might be better posted on the English Language Exchange
– Daft
Mar 2 '15 at 10:17
3
I have to disagree with your basic premise: there is, in fact, absolutely nothing odd or counterintuitive about pronouncing Xavier as /eggs-ah-vee-air/, at least in English.
– Martha
Mar 2 '15 at 20:11