Alec

What does the baby name Alec mean? Learn about what Alec means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Alec - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Alec
A-L-E-C, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Alec
AL-ək
AL ek
Meaning of Alec
Defender of mankind, defender of the people, defending men.
Origin of Alec
The name 'Alec' has a rich history that traces its roots to various origins. It is primarily derived from the Greek name Alexander, which means 'defender of men' or 'protector'. Alexander was a popular name in ancient Greece, and it gained prominence through the fame of Alexander the Great, the legendary Macedonian king. Over time, the name Alexander underwent various transformations, eventually giving rise to the shorter form 'Alec'.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Alec
Al
Alasdair
Alastair
Alaster
Alcander
Aleik
Alejandro
Alejo
Alek
Aleksandr
Alessandre
Alessandro
Alex
Alexander
Alexandre
Alexandro
Alexandros
Alexei
Alexio
Alexis
Alisander
Alsandair
Alsandare
Ellic
Iskander
Leks
Sacha
Sander
Sandero
Sandor
Sandro
Sandy
Sascha
Sasha
Saunder
Saunders
Sikander
Popularity of Alec
Now, let us delve into the popularity of the name 'Alec' over time. In the early 20th century, 'Alec' experienced a modest level of popularity, but it truly gained momentum in the mid-20th century. From the 1950s to the 1980s, 'Alec' saw a notable spike in usage, becoming a favored choice among parents. However, in recent years, its popularity has slightly declined, making it a less common name in comparison to its heyday.
Alec currently has 303 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked boy's names. The name Tommy is slightly more popular than Alec.

Etymology of Alec

To truly understand a name, we must explore its linguistic roots. As mentioned earlier, 'Alec' is derived from the Greek name Alexander. The Greek name, in turn, has its origins in the Old Persian name Alexandros, composed of 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' and 'aner' meaning 'man'. The combination of these elements gives the name its powerful meaning of a defender or protector of men.

Cultural Significance of Alec

While the name 'Alec' does not possess any specific cultural significance, it is worth noting that variations of the name Alexander have played significant roles in various cultures throughout history. From Alexander the Great in ancient Greece to Alexander Hamilton in American history, the name has been associated with great leaders, thinkers, and visionaries.