Alexander is a popular male given name with Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which is composed of two elements: "alexein", meaning "to defend" or "to protect", and "andros", meaning "man". Therefore, the name Alexander literally means "defender of mankind".
The name Alexander was borne by several notable figures throughout history. The most famous among them is Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), the king of Macedon who conquered much of the known world during his brief but remarkable reign. Due to his military prowess and extensive empire, the name Alexander became widely associated with power, courage, and conquest.
The use of Alexander as a given name has been popular throughout many centuries and in various cultures. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name among European royalty and nobility. In England, for instance, several kings were named Alexander, including Alexander II (1198-1249) and Alexander III (1263-1286).
Over time, Alexander has been shortened to various forms such as Alex, Alec, Alessandro, Sasha, and Sandy. These diminutives have also gained popularity as given names in their own right.
Today, the name Alex continues to be a popular choice for parents, ranking among the top boys' names in many countries. Its strong association with power, leadership, and historical figures like Alexander the Great has contributed to its enduring appeal. Despite its rich history and traditional connotations, the name Alex remains versatile and suitable for modern times as well.
The name Alex has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, as reflected in the birth statistics from the United States. In the early 1900s, the number of babies named Alex was relatively low, with only 11 births recorded in 1915 and fluctuating between 5 to 18 births per year until the late 1930s.
However, starting in the 1940s, there was a notable rise in the popularity of the name Alex. In 1947, there were 11 births, which increased to 21 births by 1961. The 1970s saw a further surge in popularity, with the highest number of births reaching 32 in 1981.
The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the name Alex. There was a sharp increase in its popularity, with the number of births almost quadrupling from 46 in 1982 to 270 in 1988. This trend continued into the 1990s, with a peak of 425 births recorded in 1993.
Despite a slight decline in popularity towards the end of the 1990s and early 2000s, the name Alex remained quite popular throughout this period. Between 2000 and 2010, there were consistently around 150 to 400 births each year.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Alex has continued to fluctuate but remains relatively stable. In 2021, there were 130 births recorded, and in 2022, that number rose slightly to 148 births.
Overall, it is clear that the name Alex has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with its peak popularity occurring in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite some fluctuations in recent years, the name Alex remains a popular choice for parents in the United States.