Alex is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexander, which means "defender of mankind." The name Alek is a shorter form or a variant spelling of Alexander, and it has been used independently as a given name since the late 20th century.
The name Alek was popularized in part by the character Alex P. Keaton on the American sitcom "Family Ties," which aired from 1982 to 1989. The character, played by Michael J. Fox, was known for his conservative political views and his love of business, and he helped to bring attention to the name Alek as a result.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals with the name Alek or variations thereof. For example, Alexander the Great was a king of Macedon who conquered much of the known world in the 4th century BCE, while Alexei Yashin is a Russian ice hockey player who played professionally for several teams, including the New York Islanders.
Overall, Alek is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and an attractive sound. Its Greek origins give it a classic feel, while its modern usage makes it feel fresh and contemporary. Whether you're looking for a name that's unique but not too unusual, or a name that has a strong historical pedigree, Alek is an excellent choice.
The name Alek has been given to babies of both sexes in the United States since at least 1992, with some variation in popularity over time. According to available statistics, there were six babies named Alek in 1992 and five in 1994. After a period of decline, the number of births increased again in 1998 with another six babies being given the name.
The year 2006 marked a significant increase in the popularity of the name Alek, with seven babies being named Alek that year. This trend continued into 2007 and 2008, with eight and six babies respectively being given the name. However, there was another decline in popularity after this peak, with five births each in 2011 and 2013.
Interestingly, the popularity of the name Alek seems to have stabilized around seven births per year since 2014, with seven babies named Alek in both that year and in 2019. However, there was a slight decrease in popularity in 2022, with only five babies being given the name Alek.
Overall, since 1992, there have been a total of eighty-six births in the United States with the name Alek. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, Alek remains a relatively uncommon name, with no more than eight babies being named Alek in any single year according to available statistics.