Alexis
Alexis Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/a.lek.si/
Meaning of Alexis: Alexis is a Greek name derived from the verb alexein (ἀλέξειν), meaning "to defend," "to protect," or "to help." The name shares its root with Alexander, Alexandra, and Alexia - all part of the large family of names built on the Greek concept of protective strength. As a given name, Alexis was common in ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire, used for both men and women.
In early Christian tradition, Saint Alexis of Rome (5th century) was a holy man who abandoned his wealthy family on his wedding night to live as a beggar and pilgrim. His story, transmitted through Byzantine and medieval Latin hagiography, made Alexis a recognized saint's name across both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. His feast is observed on July 17 in the Catholic calendar.
In the United States, Alexis became significantly more popular as a girls' name from the 1980s, driven partly by the character Alexis Carrington on the ABC prime-time soap opera Dynasty (1981-1989), played by Joan Collins. The character's glamour and power made Alexis fashionable for American girls during the decade, and SSA records show a sharp uptick in female births from 1981 onward.
What Does Alexis Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Alexis entered the top 10 girls' names in the United States in 1999 and peaked at rank 3 in 2004 - one of the highest placements a Greek-derived name has achieved in modern American naming history. By 2024 it ranked 484 with 636 births as a boys' name - the name has been declining for girls while maintaining some male use as the peak generation ages. Read more at Etymonline.
Alexis represents a case where ancient Greek, Byzantine Christianity, and a specific prime-time television character each contributed to peak popularity at different moments. Its gender flexibility, Greek etymology, and protective meaning give it enduring appeal across communities and generations.
How Popular Is Alexis?
Numerology & Symbolism of Alexis
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Alexis – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alexis
What does the name Alexis mean?
The name Alexis carries roots in French and reflects the naming values of that cultural tradition. The precise meaning connects to concepts meaningful in its source language and culture.
How popular is the name Alexis in the United States?
According to SSA records, Alexis ranked #484 for boy names in the United States, with 636 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Alexis come from?
The name Alexis comes from French. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of French-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a boy’s name across the English-speaking world.