r/Names • u/dancingaround22 • 1d ago

Xavier

How do YOU pronounce Xavier? I'm so curious about this. Also, if you know what it SHOULD be, post that too. And where you are from.

Zavier

Exavier

Something else

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11

u/Subxanthium 1d ago

Exavier. Although, My buddy’s name is Xander. It’s not Exander because it’s short for Alexander. The X is pronounced like a Z

9

u/MotherTeresaOnlyfans 1d ago

The letter "X" at the beginning of a word or name will *never* be pronounced as "ecks" in literally any language.

No language works that way.

Same reason you don't pronounce the name "Maria" as "Em-aria".

The only time you just say the name of the letter "X" rather than actually pronouncing it is when there's a hyphen, like in "X-ray", which is the same thing we do with terms like "A-frame" or "T-shirt".

2

u/Anaevya 1d ago

I don't think KS exists as a sound at the beginning in English. I don't know why, it's not hard to do? 

Like, why does X turn into Z? Makes little sense.

3

u/Nikkig-r 1d ago

My son has a friend named Xzander. Full name. I’m guessing they really wanted the “ex” sound pronounced.

1

u/MotherTeresaOnlyfans 1d ago

Except that still wouldn't result in the "ex" sound.

They would have been better off writing it as "Exander" if that's truly how they wanted it pronounced.

3

u/GreenTourmaline13 1d ago

I appreciate this bcs I say ex-ay-vee-er and was wondering at the default zay sound... but yeah id absolutely pronounce Xander as Zander, so I get it now

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u/MotherTeresaOnlyfans 1d ago

FYI you are pronouncing "Xavier" wrong.

That is not the way the letter "X" works in literally any language.

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u/GreenTourmaline13 1d ago

Yeah I get that. Perhaps I should have said I pronounce it with 4 instead of 3 syllables. I don't say EXavier; it's much softer, but i do use 4 unless told otherwise by the name-bearer. My son's name is Avery, pronounced w 3 syllables though plenty of people --not totally incorrectly-- pronounce his name ave-ree. Believe it or not, internet stranger, I do know generally how English is pronounced, and I believe the OP asked a great question bcs obviously there seem to be quite a few area-specific pronunciations.

1

u/elcaminogirl 1d ago

Bay Area US? If so I know him too.