Alex
Defender of the people — a boy name of Greek origin
Popularity of Alex in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Alex
Alex is the widely used short form of Alexander and Alexandra, both descended from the Greek "Alexandros," meaning "defender of the people." Its gender-neutral flexibility and easy familiarity have made it one of the most commonly used standalone names, not just a nickname, across the English-speaking world. Alex has been carried by countless notable figures in every field, from politics to sports to entertainment. Its brevity and universality continue to make it a practical, timeless choice for parents.
Alex Around the World
Alex is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 10+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Alex
Famous People Named Alex
- Alex Trebek — Canadian-American television host
- Alex Morgan — American soccer player
- Alex Rodriguez — American baseball player
Similar Names to Alex
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Sibling Name Ideas for Alex
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Alex mean?
Alex is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Defender of the people." Alex is the widely used short form of Alexander and Alexandra, both descended from the Greek "Alexandros," meaning "defender of the people." Its gender-neutral flexibility and easy familiarity have made it one of the most commonly used standalone names, not just a nickname, across the English-speaking world.
How do you pronounce Alex?
Alex is pronounced AL-eks. Common variations include Alec, Alexis, Alexei.
Is Alex a boy name?
Yes, Alex is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Al, Lex.
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