Alexius is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word 'Alexios', which translates to 'defender' or 'helper'. This name has been used throughout history, particularly in the Byzantine Empire.
The name Alexius was borne by several notable figures in the past. One of the most famous was Alexius I Comnenus, who was the founder and first Emperor of the Komnenian dynasty in the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century. Another prominent figure was Alexius IV Angelus, who briefly ruled as Emperor of the Byzantine Empire before its fall to the Fourth Crusade.
Alexius is also found in literature, notably in "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, where the main character's name is William of Baskerville, but he is often referred to as 'Brother Alexius'.
Despite its rich history and unique sound, Alexius remains relatively rare today. It is not typically used outside of Greece or among those with a strong interest in Byzantine history. Nevertheless, it continues to be a captivating and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Alexius has seen a significant amount of fluctuation in its popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were fewer than 20 births per year with this name, reaching as low as six births annually during these decades.
However, starting from 1993, the number of babies named Alexius began to increase steadily. The peak was reached in 1997 and 1998 with 119 and 121 births respectively, marking a significant spike in popularity for this name.
After the turn of the century, the popularity of the name Alexius started to decline gradually. Between 2000 and 2006, the number of babies named Alexius hovered around 50-60 per year. However, from 2007 onwards, there has been a consistent decrease in its popularity, with only seven births recorded annually since 2014.
In total, according to these statistics, there have been 1515 births of the name Alexius in the United States over the years. Despite its fluctuating popularity, this unique name remains an interesting choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their children.