Alex
Alex is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Defending men or defender of mankind.
Origin and history
Alex originated as a diminutive of Alexandra or Alexander, derived from the Greek elements meaning to defend and man. While frequently used as a nickname, it has long maintained a steady presence as an independent, unisex given name in the United States. It offers a energetic, modern, and versatile choice for girls.
Popularity in the United States
9,822 babies in the United States have been named Alex since 1880. It ranks #1668 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1408.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17.1 %)
- TX (11 %)
- NY (5.7 %)
- FL (4.7 %)
- IL (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 39 |
| 1920-1930 | 95 |
| 1930-1940 | 65 |
| 1940-1950 | 57 |
| 1950-1960 | 94 |
| 1960-1970 | 131 |
| 1970-1980 | 187 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,171 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,477 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,144 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,654 |
| 2020-2029 | 708 |
Famous people named Alex
- Alex Morgan: Athlete, Soccer Player
- Alex Borstein: Actress, Comedian
Fun facts
- The name traces back to the ancient Greek verb alexein, which means to ward off or defend.
- Although traditionally a nickname, Alex has been used as a standalone given name in the United States for over a century.