Alex Unisex

Popularity: #197 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationAL-ex / /ˈæl.ɛks/

Greek; English

Meaning

Greek: Defender of men; English: Noble

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alex is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which means 'defender of men.' It has been widely used in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries. Alex is often used as a diminutive of Alexander but can also stand alone as a given name. The name has been popularized through historical figures and modern culture.

Trend Summary

Alex has consistently been a popular name in the United States, frequently appearing in the top 50 names for boys.

Similar Names

AlecAlvinAxelAlistairAlaricAlonzoAlfred

Variants

  • Alexander
  • Alexis
  • Al

International Variants

  • Alejandro (Spanish)
  • Alessandro (Italian)
  • Alexandre (French)
  • Aleksandr (Russian)

Famous people named Alex

Alex Trebek was a Canadian-American television personality best known for hosting the quiz show 'Jeopardy!' for 36 years.

Alex Ovechkin is a Russian professional ice hockey player who has played for the Washington Capitals in the NHL.

Alex Honnold is an American rock climber known for his free solo ascents of big walls, including El Capitan in Yosemite.

Alex Morgan is an American soccer player and Olympic gold medalist, recognized for her contributions to women's soccer.

Fictional characters named Alex

Alex Dunphy is a character from the television series 'Modern Family,' known for her intelligence and academic achievements.

Alex Russo is a character from the Disney Channel series 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' portrayed as a witty and resourceful young wizard.

Sibling Suggestions

EthanLiamNoahMasonSophieEmmaOlivia

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alex was first seen in the United States in 1880. Alex has ranked as high as #92 nationally, which occurred in 1993, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Alex has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alex (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 281
17%
TX 218
13%
FL 174
11%
NY 108
7%
GA 56
3%
IL 53
3%
OH 50
3%
NC 47
3%
TN 42
3%
VA 42
3%
PA 41
3%
WA 39
2%
AZ 34
2%
LA 31
2%
MD 28
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880147
1881114
1882172
1883120
1884148
1885159
1886161
1887136
1888167
1889127
1890147
1891133
1892163
1893133
1894152
1895143
1896165
1897130
1898149
1899133
1900192
1901138
1902154
1903138
1904169
1905166
1906176
1907186
1908199
1909227
1910256
1911268
1912482
1913604
1914789
19151,008
19161,094
19171,081
19181,207
19191,082
19201,069
19211,022
19221,003
1923940
1924978
1925903
1926805
1927888
1928799
1929775
1930760
1931727
1932683
1933606
1934623
1935581
1936564
1937564
1938601
1939597
1940620
1941641
1942681
1943660
1944620
1945639
1946706
1947794
1948764
1949730
1950749
1951690
1952700
1953716
1954743
1955712
1956810
1957896
19581,020
19591,164
19601,229
19611,217
19621,267
19631,304
19641,241
19651,245
19661,024
19671,129
19681,164
19691,211
19701,403
19711,363
19721,184
19731,246
19741,386
19751,328
19761,360
19771,610
19781,468
19791,656
19801,680
19811,873
19821,965
19832,155
19843,026
19853,907
19865,112
19876,043
19886,408
19896,542
19906,950
19916,674
19927,351
19937,641
19947,240
19957,425
19966,915
19976,855
19986,954
19996,827
20006,748
20016,614
20026,806
20036,794
20046,811
20056,488
20066,670
20076,275
20085,400
20095,173
20104,439
20114,041
20123,869
20133,558
20143,190
20153,112
20162,854
20172,603
20182,525
20192,400
20202,122
20211,965
20222,004
20231,814
20241,722