Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Alex
Alex is primarily the short form of Alexander and Alexandra, both of which are derived from the Greek Αλεξανδρος (Alexandros) meaning “defender of mankind” from the elements “alexein” (to defend, protect) and “andros” (man – in a genitive or possessive form). The name is also related to the Greek “alkimos” meaning “strong” and “alke” meaning “protection, help, power, courage.” The man behind the successful endurance of the name was none other than Alexander the Great, King of Macedon in the 4th century B.C.; he was (and still is) considered the greatest military general of all time. Alexander the Great successfully defeated the Persian Empire in its entirety, expanding his empire east to India and south to Egypt, spreading and infusing Hellenistic culture far and wide, and having a profound impact on the future of Western Civilization. In his short 33 years on earth, Alexander the Great never lost one battle. His legendary deeds were so renowned in the ancient world that later Roman Emperors strove to emulate him or fashion their own legacies after him. Tales of Alexander the Great’s celebrated triumphant battles continued to be told from the Classical Era up through the Middle Ages and into modern times, keeping his name fresh in the minds of all Westerners. Indeed, Alexander and his linguistic brethren are among the most enduring and time-tested of all ancient names in Western Civilization.
All About the Baby Name – Alex
Personality
OF THE BOY NAME ALEX
Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them.Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.
Popularity
OF THE BOY NAME ALEX
As a stand-alone name, Alex has been bestowed on baby boys for well over a century (less so on baby girls). Some parents prefer the minimalistic two-syllable Alex to the fancy four-syllable Alexander. Still, as a nickname, Alex is quite ubiquitous among people of both genders. As a given name in its own right, Alex was most popular in the mid-1990s reaching as high as #47 on the male naming charts (1995). Alexander, however, has always been more popular (today he’s a Top 10 favorite). Like Ben, Sam or Max, some parents just prefer the more relaxed shortened versions of names. Alex is a strong name choice – a timeless classic.
Quick Facts
ON ALEX
GENDER:
Boy
ORIGIN:
English
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
2
RANKING POPULARITY:
110
PRONUNCIATION:
AL-əks
SIMPLE MEANING:
Defender of mankind
Characteristics
OF ALEX
Humanitarian
Community-minded
Family-oriented
Loving
Affectionate
Compassionate
Sensitive
Cultural References to the Baby Name – Alex
Literary Characters
OF THE BABY NAME ALEX
Alex is the protagonist/ narrator in Anthony Burgess’ compelling 1962 bestselling novel, A Clockwork Orange, adapted by Stanley Kubrick in 1971 into an equally riveting, award winning film of the same name. Alex and his juvenile delinquent pals (“droogs”) live in a vaguely futuristic British society overrun with narcissistic youthful violence that the State tries its best to control by one means or another. Alex is a leader among his peers – he calls the shots and enforces the rules – and this includes malice and mayhem of every variety. Our primeval anti-hero is capable of theft, assault, rape, murder and just about anything else that might occur to him, all cheerfully accompanied by the majestic chords of Beethoven that are so beloved to him. Alex is eventually apprehended by the authorities and incarcerated; he then becomes a subject for state-administered aversion therapy, designed to make even the thought of violence abhorrent and nauseating to him. Unfortunately, the therapy is doled out with the music of – you guessed it – Beethoven. Suddenly the only beauty (albeit indefinable as such) in his life goes the way of the bad – and what is left of Alex?! Can evil be trumped outside the definition of free will? Is human nature malleable? Is violence an inevitable part of the human psyche? Is innocence attainable, let alone retrievable? Mr. Burgess and Mr. Kubrick disagreed on his final fate – we will leave it to you to decide. There is no question, however, of the indelibility of Alex’s mark upon his world.
Ian is the uncle/guardian of teen-aged spy Alex Rider in the popular British series of novels by Anthony Horowitz. An agent for the Special Operations division of MI6, Ian is a perfect example of the smooth English gentleman - a product of Cambridge University, a devotee of fine wines, multi-lingual, well-travelled, handsome and physically fit. In addition, this paragon of virtue takes on his nephew after the infant’s parents die, and teaches him everything he knows. We should all have such an “Uncle Ian”! His portrayal by Ewan McGregor in the 2006 movie, “Stormbreaker”, is right on the money.
Childrens Books
ON THE BABY NAME ALEX
We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Alex
Popular Songs
ON ALEX
Smart Alex
a song by The Adicts
Bye, Bye, Alex
a song by Die Toten Hosen
Alex Chilton
a song by The Replacements
Alex
a song by Ghostface Killah
Famous People
NAMED ALEX
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Alex. For example, famous people with the name Alex (e.g., Alex Rodriguez) were born Alexander.
Children of Famous People
NAMED ALEX
We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Alex
Historic Figures
WITH THE NAME ALEX
We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Alex
