Meaning and Origin of: Alex

Girl name origins & meanings

• Greek : Defender of mankind; feminine form of Alexander

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

• Greek : Protector of mankind

What does Alex mean and stand for?

The name Alex is of Greek origin and means "protector of mankind." It is a diminutive of both Alexander and Alexis.

Syllables: 2

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

• From a short form of Alexis or Alexander in any of several languages.

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Alex has been rapidly decreasing in popularity after falling out of the top 100 in 2013. It's long form, Alexander, is still much more popular.

However, it is the 47th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Alex was at its peak popularity in November 2020.

Alex is one of the most uni-sex names there is, almost evenly used among boys and girls. Some notable namesakes include singer Alex Day, actor Alex Pettyfer, and singer Alex Turner. Alex is also popular in pop culture, appearing in Grey's Anatomy, A Clockwork Orange, The X Files, and Pretty Little Liars.

Where is it Popular?

Alex was searched for most often in the following states:

Nicknames for Alex

• Al
• Alli
• Lex
• Lexi

Pairs well with these middle names