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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 is composed of the elements "alexein," meaning "to defend," and "aner," meaning "man." This etymology suggests a literal meaning of "defender of men." The name was popularized in the ancient world by figures such as Alexander the Great, who reigned from 336 to 323 BCE and is known for his vast empire and military conquests. The Latin form, Alexander, was adopted into various languages, including Old French as "Alexandre," before making its way into Middle English as "Alexandre" and eventually evolving into the modern English form, Alex, as a diminutive or short form of Alexander.

Throughout history, the name has been borne by numerous notable figures, including saints and monarchs. One significant historical milestone is the veneration of Saint Alexander, a martyr in the early Christian church, whose feast day is celebrated on May 26. The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the King James Bible, where it is referenced in the context of early Christian figures. The enduring legacy of Alexander the Great and the cultural significance of the name in various historical contexts have contributed to its lasting appeal.

Culturally, the name Alex has been associated with strength and leadership, reflecting its roots in defense and protection. This connection to valor and heroism has allowed the name to resonate across different cultures and eras. The diminutive form, Alex, has also gained recognition as a standalone name, further solidifying its place in various linguistic traditions. Overall, the name Alex encapsulates a rich historical and cultural narrative that spans centuries, making it a significant name in the annals of history.

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 television personality best known for Jeopardy!, The Wizard of Odds, and High Rollers.

Alex Ovechkin is a professional ice hockey player best known for playing with the Washington Capitals, winning the Hart Trophy, and being a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Alex Morgan is a professional soccer player best known for winning the FIFA Women's World Cup, Olympic gold medals, and playing for the U.S. Women's National Team.

Alex Kingston is an actress best known for her roles in Doctor Who, ER, and The Three Musketeers.

Alex Honnold is a rock climber best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan, authoring the book Alone on the Wall, and the documentary Free Solo.

Alex Gaskarth is a musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the band All Time Low, and for their albums So Wrong, It's Right and Nothing Personal.

Alex Smith is a former professional football player best known for playing quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Football Team.

Alex Ross is a comic book artist best known for his work on Kingdom Come, Marvels, and his painted covers for various superhero comics.

Alex Kurtzman is a screenwriter and producer best known for co-writing Transformers, Star Trek, and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Alex Lifeson is a musician best known as the guitarist for the rock band Rush, and for his work on albums like Moving Pictures and 2112.

Fictional characters named Alex

Alex DeLarge is a fictional character from the novel and film A Clockwork Orange. He is a delinquent who enjoys committing acts of ultraviolence and is later subjected to an experimental rehabilitation technique.

Alex Dunphy is a fictional character from the TV series Modern Family. She is the intelligent and ambitious middle child of the Dunphy family, often portrayed as the voice of reason among her siblings.

Alex Mercer is a fictional character from the video game series Prototype. He is a genetically mutated individual with the ability to shapeshift and absorb others' memories and abilities.

Alex Vause is a fictional character from the TV series Orange Is the New Black. She is a complex character who has a tumultuous romantic relationship with the protagonist, Piper Chapman.

Alex the Lion is a fictional character from the animated film series Madagascar. He is a lion who is the self-proclaimed king of the New York Zoo and struggles with his identity when he is exposed to the wild.

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%
VA 42
3%
TN 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