Alex and Friends
- Alasdair
Origin:
Scottish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
- Alastair
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"defender of men"Description:
To Americans, a quintessential British name, introduced to the U.S. public by suave journalist/PBS Masterpiece Theater host Alastair Cook. Sometimes used in the U.S. by parents with Scottish heritage.
- Alastaire
Description:
Alastaire is a masculine name representing a stylized spelling variation of Alistair or Alister. Originating from the Scottish Gaelic name Alasdair, which is the Gaelic form of Alexander, it ultimately derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' This sophisticated spelling adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the traditional form. Throughout history, the name has been associated with nobility and strength in Scottish culture. While less common than Alistair, Alastaire maintains the same distinguished character while offering a slightly more distinctive presentation, appealing to parents who appreciate traditional names with a unique twist.
- Ale
Origin:
Diminutive of Alejandro, SpanishMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Commonly heard as a nickname for Alejandro, but a rare sight on the birth certificate. Ale has only made the US charts for boys twice, once in 2005 and again in 2018.
- Ale
Origin:
Diminutive of Alejandra, SpanishMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Although it's rarely given in its own right, Ale is a very common nickname for Latinate variations of Alexandra, including Alejandra and Alessandra.
- Alec
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexander, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alec, though an old nickname for Alexander, is much fresher sounding than Alex, with the additional advantage, at least to some parents, of being distinctly male (there are as many girl Alexes these days as there are boys). While Alec has a clipped British image, it's actually one of the classic Greek names for boys, by way of father name Alexander.
- Aleister
Description:
Aleister is a masculine name of Scottish origin, representing a variant spelling of Alistair or Alastair, which themselves derive from Alexander. The name ultimately comes from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' This particular spelling was popularized by the notorious British occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), giving the name strong associations with mysticism and the esoteric. Despite this controversial connection, the name has a distinguished sound and maintains its Scottish heritage appeal. Aleister has never been extremely common but has attracted parents seeking a name with both traditional roots and an unconventional edge. It carries a somewhat mysterious, intellectual quality while maintaining its classic masculine strength.
- Aleix
Origin:
Catalan variant of AlexisDescription:
Very popular in Catalonia, in part because of its use by a number of pro athletes. English speakers, though, may interpret it as a "yoonek" spelling of Alex.
- Aleix
Description:
Aleix as a feminine name represents an unusual gender assignment, as it is traditionally a masculine Catalan name, equivalent to the English Alexis or Alex, derived from the Greek name Alexandros meaning 'defender' or 'protector of mankind.' In Catalonia and other Spanish-speaking regions, Aleix is exclusively used for boys, while the feminine form would be Aleixa or Alexia. The pronunciation typically sounds like 'ah-LAYSH' in Catalan. This name has strong cultural roots in northeastern Spain and has moderate popularity there, though it remains rare outside Catalan-speaking areas. When used for a girl, Aleix represents a bold cross-cultural choice that carries the strong, protective meaning of its etymology while offering an uncommon option with European flair.
- Alejandra
Origin:
Spanish variation of AlexandraMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alejandra, the Spanish form of this popular and multivaried name, has fans both in and outside the Latino community. Still, it has lost ground since its peak in the 1990s.
- Alejandro
Origin:
Spanish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Softer and smoother than Alexander, this classic Spanish name for boys has made a seamless transition to this culture. Adding to its current impact: the Lady Gaga song Alejandro .
- Alejo
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of AlejandroMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Another appealing member of the Alexandrian clan.
- Alek
Origin:
Polish, Armenian, Serbian, and Russian form of Alex, Greek, GreenlandicMeaning:
"defending men; harpoon line"Description:
A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".
- Alek
Description:
The Russian variation of Alex or Alec is familiar to some as a girl name through African supermodel Alek Weks. A trailblazer for non-European beauty in the 90’s, Weks makes this intriguing alternative to popular Alex feel chic. For your little girl, this may be a new twist on Alexa or an innovative short form of Alexandra.
- Aleksandr
Origin:
Russian; Armenian, from GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
A form of Alexander commonly used in Russia, Armenia, Estonia and Kazakhstan.
- Aleksandra
Origin:
Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian version of Alexandra, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Aleksandra is the preferred spelling in many Eastern European languages and cultures, but for English-speakers it's ironically more confusing if also perfectly phonetically clear.
- Aleksei
Description:
Aleksei is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing the Slavic form of Alexius or Alexis, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' This powerful name has been borne by numerous Russian tsars, Orthodox saints, and notable figures throughout history. Common in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other Eastern European countries, Aleksei carries a strong cultural heritage while being recognized internationally. The spelling variations include Alexei, Alexey, and Aleksey, with pronunciation typically emphasizing the second syllable. The name conveys strength and protection while maintaining a classic, timeless quality. In Western countries, it's recognized as distinctively Slavic but still accessible.
- Aleksej
Origin:
Slovene variation of Alexios, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Aleksej is the Slovene form of Alexios, making it a cognate of Alexis.
- Alessandra
Origin:
Italian and Portuguese variation of AlexandraMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
This Italian and Portuguese variant of the classic Alexandra softens the classic name, while still maintaining its strength and dignity. Currently in the US Top 500, it also ranks in Brazil and Italy. Instead of Lexi, this form could get you to nicknames Essie or Alessa.
- Alessia
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexisMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
Young Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara has given this spicy-sounding name a new lease on life, propelling it into the Top 1000 in 2016. It was one of the fastest rising girl names of the year in 2016, then again in 2023. As a form of Alexander, Alessia could make a wonderful honor for any of Alexander's variants—Alexandra, Alexis—or as an alternative to Alexa, now best known as Amazon's AI voice.