Alex

How to say it

ˈæl.ɪks

What it means

Short form of Alexander or Alexandra, from the Greek alexein ('to defend') + anēr ('man'). Now usually a standalone given name, fully unisex in current US usage.

Alex began as a short form for Alexander, Alexandra, Alexis, and other names from the Greek alexein ('to defend') + anēr ('man'). Through the 20th century it served as a nickname; in the 21st century it graduated to a standalone given name in its own right, fully unisex in current US usage. Alex Trebek (Jeopardy! host), Alex Rodriguez (the baseball player A-Rod), and Alex from A Clockwork Orange (Malcolm McDowell's character) anchor different cultural moments. The single-syllable form makes it one of the cleaner picks. Most Alexes who started as Alexander or Alexandra use Alex day-to-day; many born Alex stay full.

How to spell Alex

The standard spelling is Alex. Common variants include Alec, Alix, but Alex is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Nickname

  Alex is itself a short form, so doesn't shorten further. Some families use the formal Alexander or Alexandra and Alex daily; others give Alex directly.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Alex Trebek Canadian-American TV host, Jeopardy! 1984-2020
• Alex Rodriguez Yankees and Mariners third baseman, three-time MVP

Spelling variants

• Alec
• Alix

Names with the same feeling

• Alexander Defender of people
• Alexandra Defender of people
• Max Greatest
• Leo Lion
• Kai Sea, or 'keeper of the keys'

See Alex from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Alex mean?

Short form of Alexander or Alexandra, from the Greek alexein ('to defend') + anēr ('man'). Now usually a standalone given name, fully unisex in current US usage.

What does Alex mean in Greek?

In Greek, Alex means "Defender of people." Alex began as a short form for Alexander, Alexandra, Alexis, and other names from the Greek alexein ('to defend') + anēr ('man'). Through the 20th century it served as a nickname; in the 21st century it graduated to a standalone given name in its own right, fully unisex in current US usage. Alex Trebek (Jeopardy! host), Alex Rodriguez (the baseball player A-Rod), and Alex from A Clockwork Orange (Malcolm McDowell's character) anchor different cultural moments. The single-syllable form makes it one of the cleaner picks. Most Alexes who started as Alexander or Alexandra use Alex day-to-day; many born Alex stay full.

Is Alex short for Alexander?

Yes. Alex is a short form of Alexander, and it carries the same meaning, "Defender of people." These days many parents use Alex as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.

How do you pronounce Alex?

Alex is pronounced ˈæl.ɪks. Say it as ALEX, with the stress on the "alex" syllable.

How do you spell Alex?

The standard spelling is Alex. Common spelling variants include Alec, Alix.

Is Alex a boy or girl name?

Alex is traditionally a masculine name.

How popular is the name Alex?

Alex ranked #232 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.