AlexΑλέξανδρος

/AL-eks/

Greek

Alex is a Greek baby name pronounced /AL-eks/. The name Alex literally translates to defender or helper of mankind.

Meaning of Alex

The name Alex literally translates to defender or helper of mankind.

It is a shortened form of the Greek name Alexandros, derived from the elements 'alexein' meaning to defend and 'aner' meaning man. While it emerged as a diminutive, it has been used as a standalone name for centuries across many Western cultures. Its historical weight is largely tied to the legacy of Alexander the Great.

Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
/AL-eks/

Cultural background

Alex is widely used as a gender-neutral name in English, French, German, and Dutch-speaking countries, serving as a nickname for Alexander, Alexandra, or Alexis.

Variations & nicknames

  • Alec
  • Alexandre
  • Aleksandr
  • Alessandro
  • Alix
  • Aleks

Famous people named Alex

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Alex Ferguson

    Renowned Scottish football manager and former player

    Sport · 20th–21st Century

  • Alex Rodriguez

    Professional American baseball shortstop and third baseman

    Sport · 21st Century

  • Alex Morgan

    Professional American soccer player and Olympic gold medalist

    Sport · 21st Century

  • Alex Turner

    Lead singer and songwriter of the band Arctic Monkeys

    Music · 21st Century

  • Alex Trebek

    Long-time host of the television game show Jeopardy!

    Television · 20th–21st Century

  • Alex Haley

    American writer and author of the novel Roots

    Literature · 20th Century

Frequently asked about Alex

Is Alex a boy or girl name?
Alex is a truly gender-neutral name used frequently for both boys and girls, often as a short form of Alexander or Alexandra.
What is Alex short for?
It is most commonly a diminutive of Alexander, Alexandra, Alexis, Alexandria, or Alexandros.
How common is the name Alex?
Alex is consistently popular across many countries due to its simplicity, classic roots, and cross-cultural appeal.

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