Alex: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AL-iks · 2 syllables
Alex means “helping, defending”, from Greek.
Clipping of Alexander, from Ancient Greek (Alexandros) 'he who wards off men', i.e. protector, possibly of Hittite origin. Also from Alexius, from the same Ancient Greek first element, "helping, defending". These two origins of Alex are indistinguishable in most languages.
- Meaning
- helping, defending
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- AL-iks
- US rank (2025)
- #232
- US babies a year
- about 1,914 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1990
- Style
- Classic
How popular is Alex?
Alex was the #232 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,586 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 49% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1990.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #232 |
| England & Wales | #108 |
| Scotland | #115 |
| Northern Ireland | #84 |
| Ireland | #39 |
| France | #329 |
| Norway | #259 |
| Canada | #221 |
| Australia | #222 |
How old are people named Alex?
Half of US adults named Alex are older than 32; most are between 19 and 67. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Alex
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Alex have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Alex
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Alex
What does the name Alex mean?
Alex means “helping, defending”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Alex?
Alex is pronounced AL-iks.
How popular is the name Alex?
Alex was the #232 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,586 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 49% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1990.
How old are people named Alex?
Half of US adults named Alex are older than 32. Most are between 19 and 67.