The name Alek is of Greek origin and means "defender of mankind." It is derived from the Greek word "alekoes," which translates to "to protect" or "to defend." The name has been used for centuries, but it gained popularity in recent years due to its uniqueness and strong meaning.
Alek was originally a nickname given to Saint Alexius, also known as Alexis, who was a Christian martyr from the fourth century. According to legend, Alexius was born into a wealthy family but gave up his riches to live a life of poverty and asceticism. He is often depicted in art with his arms raised in defense or protection.
The name Alek has been used throughout history by various individuals, including Aleksei II, who was the last Emperor of Russia from 1855 to 1864. Additionally, Alekseyevka is a town in Russia named after him.
In recent years, Alek has become more popular as a given name for boys due to its strong meaning and unique sound. It is often associated with strength, courage, and protection, which may appeal to parents looking for a name that reflects these qualities. Overall, the name Alek is a powerful and timeless choice for parents who want to give their child a meaningful and distinctive name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Alek has seen varying popularity over the past century in the United States.
The earliest data point available is from 1916, with a total of 10 births that year. After a period of low popularity between the 1920s and 1970s (with fewer than 10 births each year), the name Alek began to gain traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with more than 10 births recorded annually.
The name reached its peak popularity between 1988 and 2000, with a significant increase in the number of births each year. The highest point was in 1991, with 89 births. This period of high popularity lasted for about a decade before beginning to decline in the early 2000s.
Since then, the name Alek has maintained moderate popularity, with an average of around 100-150 births per year between 2003 and 2023. The most recent data point shows that there were 102 births in 2023, indicating that the name continues to be a popular choice among parents.
Overall, while Alek may not have been a highly popular name throughout its history in the United States, it has experienced periods of significant popularity and remains a common choice for parents today. With a total of 4,433 births recorded since 1916, Alek can be considered a well-known and established name in American culture.