Alex: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Alex mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Greek: Defender of the people; feminine form of Alexander
English: Noble and bright

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Alex is pronounced a-leks

The name Alex originates from the Greek name Alexandra, which means "defender of the people." It also has English origins where it signifies "noble and bright." Although traditionally used as a male name, Alex has become a popular choice for girls and is often seen as a strong and versatile name.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Alex mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Greek: Defender of the people
English: Noble and bright

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Alex is pronounced a-leks

The name Alex has strong roots in both Greek and English traditions. Originating from the Greek name Alexander, which means “defender of the people,” it has been a timeless choice for centuries. In English, Alex is associated with qualities such as nobility and brightness. It is a diminutive of both Alexander and Alexis, and is well-regarded for its straightforward, yet powerful connotations.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Mulitiple: 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

Lindsay Wagner

Alex in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Alex Dunphy from Modern Family - The smart and sarcastic middle child of the Dunphy family.
Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties - A young conservative with a love for economics and politics.
Alex Vause from Orange Is the New Black - A complex character navigating life in and out of prison.
Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place - A mischievous teenage wizard.
Alex DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange - The controversial protagonist with a penchant for ultra-violence.

Popularity of the Name Alex

According to Social Security Administration data, Alex has been a consistently popular name in the United States. Although it varies slightly in ranking each year, Alex remains within the top 500 names since 2000. The name reached its peak popularity in the early 2000s but continues to be a favored choice for parents; however, the long-form name, Alexander, is still much more popular.

Historically, Alex is often a shortened form of Alexander or Alexandra, carrying a strong and classic appeal. Today, Alex is one of the most unisex and gender-neutral names there is, almost evenly used among boys and girls. Notable people named Alex include actor Alex Pettyfer, writer Alex Haley, and former professional football player Alex Smith. Additionally, fictional characters named Alex have appeared in media such as the film A Clockwork Orange and the television series Grey's Anatomy, The X Files, Pretty Little Liars, and Modern Family.