What Is The Origin Of My Name Alex?

Nowadays Alex is often given to both boys and girls as a name in its own right. Until recently it only existed as a diminutive or short form of Alexander (or its feminine form, Alexandra.) Alexander is a Latinised from of the ancient Greek name Alexandros, from "alexein," to defend, and "aner," man; so Alexander means defender or warrior. The most famous bearer of this name was the Macedonian king and warrior, Alexander the Great (356-23 BC) and he is probably the main reason for its long-lasting popularity.

Short forms are Alex, Al, Alec and occasionally Lex (like the "Superman" villain, Lex Luther). Sandy was also originally a diminutive of Alexander. The same short form can be used for Alexandra, though the commonest of these is Sandra, now usually given as a separate name, or recently Ally as in Ally McBeal. Another variant of Alexander, most popular in Scotland, is Alastair (also spelt Alasdair and Alaster.)