Alexis: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

By Tara Gunn

Updated August 7, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Alexis mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Defender or protector
English: Helper or defender
French: Noble, light

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Alexis is pronounced uh-lek-sis

The name Alexis has its roots in Greek origin, initially derived from the names Alexios or Alexander, which means "defender" or "protector." In English-speaking countries, Alexis is often associated with being a helper or protector. Over time, the name has become popular for girls, emphasizing strength and reliability.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Alexis mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Defender of the people
English: Helper or defender
French: Noble, light

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Alexis is pronounced uh-lek-sis

The name Alexis has its roots in Greek origins, stemming from the names Alexios or Alexander, which means "defender" or "helper." It was popularized in France during the Middle Ages and holds a noble connotation. Alexis is widely regarded as a timeless and strong name, suitable for both boys and girls.

How Popular Is The Name Alexis

Family name origins & meanings

French: from the personal name Alexis, ultimately from Greek alexios "helping", "defending." The personal name owed its popularity in the Middle Ages to St. Alexi(u)s, about whom many legends grew up. The historical St. Alexis is said to have lived in the 4th–5th centuries in Edessa (an early center of Christianity in Syria). His cult was also popular in the Eastern Church, which accounts for the frequency of the Russian personal name Aleks(e)i. In North America this surname has probably absorbed Russian and other cognates, mentioned in Hanks and Hodges (1988).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Kate Gosselin

Martha Stewart

Ted Danson

Alexis in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Alexis Colby from Dynasty - Portrayed as the glamorous and cunning ex-wife of Blake Carrington in this 1980s TV drama.
Alexis Davis from General Hospital - A strong-willed attorney and a central character in the long-running soap opera.
Alexis Rose from Schitt's Creek - The socialite daughter with a flair for the dramatic and a hidden depth, known for her quirky personality.
Alexis Castle from Castle - The intelligent and resourceful daughter of the titular character, novelist Richard Castle.
Alexis Meade from Ugly Betty - This character brings drama to the fashion magazine Mode as the transgender sibling in the series.

Popularity of the Name Alexis

According to the Social Security Administration data, Alexis has maintained a steady popularity over the years, often ranking within the top 100 names for girls in the United States. The name Alexis peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching as high as the top 20 during this period. Alexis is of Greek origin, meaning "helper" or "defender," and has been used widely for both boys and girls.

Historically, notable individuals with the name Alexis include Alexis de Tocqueville, the French political thinker and historian known for his works on democracy. In contemporary times, Alexis Bledel, an actress famous for her role in the TV series Gilmore Girls, has brought further recognition to the name. Fictional characters named Alexis include Alexis Carrington from the popular TV series Dynasty, a character that became iconic during the 1980s. The name Alexis continues to be versatile and well-loved, appearing frequently in both historical and modern contexts.