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'.; American Names; British Names; Celebrity Names; English Names; Greek Names; Literary Names; Pet Names; Scottish Names
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.