
Origin, Meaning And History of Alexis
Alexis is a stylish given name with Greek origins commonly used for girls in English-speaking countries. The name is thought to have been derived from the Greek words aléxein, meaning ‘defender,’ and alexo, meaning ‘to defend’ or ‘to help.’ It may also have its roots in the Greek name Alexis, which means ‘helper’ or ‘defender.’ Alexis is a Russian diminutive and feminine version of the name Alexander.
Historical accounts suggest Alexis was a common name during the Middle Ages, primarily due to its association with a renowned Greek poet and St. Alexius, a Greek monk revered for his unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ.
The name is also often used interchangeably with Alexius, a popular name borne by several Byzantine emperors. While traditionally considered a masculine name, Alexis has also been given to females in the United States since the 1940s when actress Alexis Smith gained fame in the film industry.
The name Alexis can be pronounced as ‘A-LEHK-SEE’ in French and ‘ə-LEHK-sis’ in English, and has variants such as Alexia, Alexus, and Alejo. Alexina, Lexia, Lexie, Lexi, and Lexy are some diminutive of the name Alexis that are short and sweet.
Besides being borne by historical figures, the name Alexis has also been featured in movies, television shows, and novels. Alexis Colby from the 1980s prime-time soap opera, Dynasty. The character is renowned for her powerful portrayal and determination to succeed in a male-dominated world.
Alexis Castle from the American crime drama television series Castle. In the show, Alexis is an intelligent and independent young woman who shares her father’s love for mysteries and assists him in his investigations.
Other notable fictional characters who share the name Alexis include Alexis Zorbas, the lead character from the comedy-drama film Zorba the Greek, and Alexis Meade from the American comedy television series, Ugly Betty.
How To Pronounce Alexis?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Alexis in German.
Listen to the sound of the name Alexis in English.
Famous People With The Name Alexis
- Kimberly Alexis BledelAmerican actress and model known for her role in Gilmore Girls
- Alexios AlexopoulosGreek sprinter, won the silver medal at the European Indoor Championships in 1996
- Alexis DenisofAmerican actor known for his role in How I Met Your Mother and First Knight
- Alexis Kay’ree HornbuckleAmerican professional basketball player and only person to win an NCAA title and the WNBA title in the same year
- Alexis SkyeAmerican Model who was crowned as the World’s Tallest Fashion Model by the Guinness World Records in 2008
Alexis On The Popularity Chart
According to the US Social Security Administration, Alexis wasn’t a popular name choice among parents in the 1980s. However, the name started gaining popularity from 1989 onwards and reached its peak in 1998.
Popularity Over Time
This name was popular in 1998, with approximately 19,777 babies per million named Alexis. Check out the graph for detailed insights.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
In 1999, Alexis held the 3rd rank, but since then, the name’s ranking has been gradually declining, and as of 2021, it is ranked at 341.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Alexis
Alexis sounds regal and stylish. Here are some similar-sounding names you may consider for your infant.
Popular Sibling Names For Alexis
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Alexis, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Alexis
Find matching brother names for Alexis and create a wonderful team of siblings.
AleksGirl Sibling Names For Alexis
Looking for some suitable sister names for Alexis? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
AleksandraOther Popular Names Beginning With A
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter A to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Alexis
If you’re searching for baby names that have similar connotations as Alexis, here are some name options to explore.
Infographic: Know The Name Alexis‘s Personality As Per Numerology

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
How To Communicate The Name Alexis In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Alexis



Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Alexis?
The name Alexis means ‘protector of mankind.’
2. What is the origin of the name Alexis?
Alexis has German and Greek origins.
3. How to pronounce the name Alexis?
Alexis is pronounced as uh-lek-sis.
4. What are some middle names that go well with Alexis?
Alexis is a Greek name that means ‘ helper’ or ‘defender.’ While selecting a middle name for Alexis, names with similar meanings, such as Amyntas or Gonen, could be excellent choices. Names of Greek origins, such as Charis and Haris, and Maria ‘ could also be considered.
5. What are some nicknames for Alexis?
Alex, Ali, Lexie, Allie, Ale, Ally, Lexy, Alexi, Lex, Lexis, Lexa, and Lexi are some cute nicknames for Alexis. You may also modify the spellings to make your own nickname.
6. Is Alexis a popular choice for baby names currently?
Yes, Alexis is a popular baby name and has consistently ranked high in popularity charts for several years. Alexis has a versatile appeal, as it can be used for both boys and girls. However, it is more commonly associated with girls. According to SSA, 869 girls and 664 boys per million were given this name in the US in 2022 (1).
References:
- Popularity of name Alexis
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
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