All about the name

Alec

Female

« Alec is a shortened form of Scottish Alexander, meaning "defending men" or "protector of mankind," popularized as an independent given name in the 19th century. »

#28880 over 10 years

Meaning, origin, history

The name Alec is a shortened form of the Scottish name Alexander, which means "defending men" or "protector of mankind." This name has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Alexander the Great, who was a King of Macedon in ancient Greece. Alec became popular as an independent given name in its own right during the 19th century. It was often used as a nickname for Alexander but eventually gained widespread acceptance as a full name. Today, Alec is considered a classic yet modern choice for boys' names and has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States. The name Alec has appeared in various forms of literature and media throughout history. One notable example is Alexander Alec Smith, a character from Charles Dickens's novel "David Copperfield." Additionally, several famous actors share this name, such as Alec Baldwin and Alec Guinness. Overall, the name Alec carries a strong historical background and classic appeal while also having a modern and approachable sound. Its meaning makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a name that signifies strength and protection.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Alec since 1880

Total births
337
Total since 1880
Peak year
1995
37 births
in 2016
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
vs previous 5 years