Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Alexis

Alexis started out as a masculine given name derived from the same root as Alexander, from the Greek “alexin” meaning “to defend, protect”. While the Greek Alexandros means more specifically “protector of mankind”, Alexis means more plainly “to protect” (ward off, defend, keep away). Like Alexander, Alexis (Ἄλεξις) is an ancient Greek name dating back many, many centuries Before Christ. It was a name borne by both a prominent ancient Greek poet as well as a sculptor; and the name appears in ancient Greek literature always depicted as a beautiful boy who is the object of another’s desire. Of course Alexander the Great is most often credited with the persistence of all these “Alex” names from the Classical Era into modern times. However, Alexis owes a large part of his success to an early 5th century saint first venerated within the Eastern Empire before being transplanted to Rome (see historical references below). This is one of the reasons why Alexis has seen so much success in both Eastern Europe as well as Western (in fact, Alexius was a name borne by five different emperors of the Byzantium Empire). The transference of Alexis into a female given name happened in the United States in the 1940s owing to the successful film career of Alexis Smith (b. Gladys). Today, Alexis is more popular for girls in English-speaking nations (although still used more frequently for boys elsewhere). For girls, Alexis is most popular in Canada, Australia and the United States. For boys, Alexis is most popular in France.

All About the Baby Name – Alexis

Personality

OF THE UNISEX NAME ALEXIS

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE UNISEX NAME ALEXIS

While the name Alexis is used for both girls and boys in the United States, it is far more popular as a girl’s name (and has been since 1970). In fact, the name Alexis hit the popularity charts for girls as early as the 1940s, but not until the 1960s for boys. For girls, the meteoric ascent to the top happened quickly and started in the 1980s (thanks to the character of Alexis Carrington on the hit TV drama “Dynasty” which debuted in 1981). For boys, the name has comfortably positioned itself within more moderate levels of popularity. It’s a pretty trendy name for girls at this point, and appears to be favored mostly in America, Canada and Australia (much less so in the United Kingdom or Ireland). Alexis’ popularity probably owes something to the crisp, elegant sound it has, and its association with pretty, seductive girls. The pet form, Lexie, also adds new dimension.

Quick Facts

ON ALEXIS

GENDER:

Unisex

ORIGIN:

Greek

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

ah-LEHKS-is

SIMPLE MEANING:

To protect

Characteristics

OF ALEXIS

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Alexis

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ALEXIS

“Zorba the Greek” is a novel written by the Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis (1946) and features a protagonist named Alexis Zorba. It is a story of a young Greek intellectual who ventures to escape his bookish life with the aid of the boisterous and mysterious Alexis Zorba.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ALEXIS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Alexis


Popular Songs

ON ALEXIS

Alexis
a song by The James Gang

Famous People

NAMED ALEXIS

Alexis I of Russia (ruler)
Alexis (ancient Greek comic poet)
Alexis (ancient Greek sculptor)
Alexis Neiers (TV personality)
Alexis I of Russia (ruler)
Alexis (ancient Greek comic poet)
Alexis (ancient Greek sculptor)
Alexis Neiers (TV personality)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ALEXIS

Kate Gosselin;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ALEXIS

Saint Alexis was born into a prosperous Christian family in Mesopotamia in the 5th Century and was raised to be good to the poor. All he wanted to do was humbly serve the Lord even though his parents wished him to marry a wealthy bride. Having secured his wife-to-be’s consent on their wedding day to leave her for God, he left in disguise to live among the poor. After many years, the Blessed Virgin spoke from a picture to the beggars calling Alexis a “Man of God.” This is how he’s venerated today. As a "defender" and "helper" of the poor, his name certainly fits. His feast day is July 17.

Saint Alexis was born into a prosperous Christian family in Mesopotamia in the 5th Century and was raised to be good to the poor. All he wanted to do was humbly serve the Lord even though his parents wished him to marry a wealthy bride. Having secured his wife-to-be’s consent on their wedding day to leave her for God, he left in disguise to live among the poor. After many years, the Blessed Virgin spoke from a picture to the beggars calling Alexis a “Man of God.” This is how he’s venerated today. As a "defender" and "helper" of the poor, his name certainly fits. His feast day is July 17.