Rex Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: REKS //rɛks//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: king; English: regal
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Rex originates from the Latin word "rex," meaning "king." This term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *reg-, which conveys the idea of ruling or directing. The transition into English occurred through the influence of Latin during the Roman occupation of Britain and later through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where Latin and Old French terms permeated the English language.
As a result, Rex emerged as a given name in English-speaking contexts, symbolizing authority and leadership. Historically, the name Rex has been associated with various notable figures and events.
In the context of biblical history, the term is often linked to the concept of kingship, as seen in the titles of figures such as King David and King Solomon. The name gained further prominence during the medieval period, particularly in reference to monarchs and rulers across Europe.
The use of Rex in royal titles, such as "Rex Angliae" (King of England), solidified its association with sovereignty and governance. The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the King James Bible, which was published in the early 17th century and contributed to the cultural resonance of the term.
Culturally, Rex embodies notions of power and nobility, making it a symbol of leadership throughout history. Its usage in heraldry and royal insignia further emphasizes its regal connotations.
The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Rexy, which, while less common, reflect a more affectionate or familiar approach to the name. Overall, Rex remains a name steeped in historical significance, representing authority and the enduring legacy of kingship.
Famous people named Rex
Fictional characters named Rex
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Rex was first seen in the United States in 1880. Rex has ranked as high as #351 nationally, which occurred in 1951, and has been most popular in California, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Rex has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Rex (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 35 | |
| TX | 29 | |
| NY | 15 | |
| FL | 14 | |
| OH | 12 | |
| UT | 11 | |
| AZ | 11 | |
| WA | 11 | |
| MO | 10 | |
| IN | 9 | |
| OR | 9 | |
| IL | 8 | |
| KY | 8 | |
| GA | 8 | |
| PA | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 13 |
| 1881 | 7 |
| 1882 | 13 |
| 1883 | 15 |
| 1884 | 13 |
| 1885 | 17 |
| 1886 | 26 |
| 1887 | 28 |
| 1888 | 28 |
| 1889 | 23 |
| 1890 | 30 |
| 1891 | 24 |
| 1892 | 28 |
| 1893 | 25 |
| 1894 | 30 |
| 1895 | 34 |
| 1896 | 35 |
| 1897 | 31 |
| 1898 | 39 |
| 1899 | 29 |
| 1900 | 59 |
| 1901 | 29 |
| 1902 | 46 |
| 1903 | 43 |
| 1904 | 33 |
| 1905 | 46 |
| 1906 | 61 |
| 1907 | 48 |
| 1908 | 64 |
| 1909 | 68 |
| 1910 | 65 |
| 1911 | 82 |
| 1912 | 164 |
| 1913 | 243 |
| 1914 | 334 |
| 1915 | 401 |
| 1916 | 461 |
| 1917 | 471 |
| 1918 | 509 |
| 1919 | 523 |
| 1920 | 614 |
| 1921 | 591 |
| 1922 | 615 |
| 1923 | 584 |
| 1924 | 589 |
| 1925 | 553 |
| 1926 | 552 |
| 1927 | 518 |
| 1928 | 519 |
| 1929 | 492 |
| 1930 | 540 |
| 1931 | 520 |
| 1932 | 580 |
| 1933 | 626 |
| 1934 | 631 |
| 1935 | 647 |
| 1936 | 612 |
| 1937 | 601 |
| 1938 | 628 |
| 1939 | 564 |
| 1940 | 547 |
| 1941 | 558 |
| 1942 | 521 |
| 1943 | 614 |
| 1944 | 574 |
| 1945 | 485 |
| 1946 | 662 |
| 1947 | 846 |
| 1948 | 903 |
| 1949 | 959 |
| 1950 | 1,069 |
| 1951 | 1,503 |
| 1952 | 1,498 |
| 1953 | 1,346 |
| 1954 | 1,379 |
| 1955 | 1,400 |
| 1956 | 1,452 |
| 1957 | 1,326 |
| 1958 | 1,243 |
| 1959 | 1,284 |
| 1960 | 1,312 |
| 1961 | 1,269 |
| 1962 | 1,132 |
| 1963 | 984 |
| 1964 | 957 |
| 1965 | 787 |
| 1966 | 718 |
| 1967 | 581 |
| 1968 | 514 |
| 1969 | 478 |
| 1970 | 507 |
| 1971 | 473 |
| 1972 | 373 |
| 1973 | 325 |
| 1974 | 297 |
| 1975 | 296 |
| 1976 | 283 |
| 1977 | 291 |
| 1978 | 255 |
| 1979 | 260 |
| 1980 | 300 |
| 1981 | 268 |
| 1982 | 266 |
| 1983 | 246 |
| 1984 | 258 |
| 1985 | 261 |
| 1986 | 232 |
| 1987 | 231 |
| 1988 | 247 |
| 1989 | 224 |
| 1990 | 232 |
| 1991 | 220 |
| 1992 | 207 |
| 1993 | 178 |
| 1994 | 167 |
| 1995 | 158 |
| 1996 | 139 |
| 1997 | 152 |
| 1998 | 151 |
| 1999 | 137 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 154 |
| 2003 | 182 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 237 |
| 2006 | 252 |
| 2007 | 236 |
| 2008 | 274 |
| 2009 | 303 |
| 2010 | 332 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 385 |
| 2013 | 391 |
| 2014 | 389 |
| 2015 | 374 |
| 2016 | 423 |
| 2017 | 434 |
| 2018 | 420 |
| 2019 | 410 |
| 2020 | 377 |
| 2021 | 379 |
| 2022 | 380 |
| 2023 | 367 |
| 2024 | 316 |