Declining since 1999, #5,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Alexi since 1965
Babies named Alexi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 | 23 |
| 1970s | 54 | 125 |
| 1980s | 283 | 192 |
| 1990s | 1,341 | 405 |
| 2000s | 1,531 | 529 |
| 2010s | 802 | 321 |
| 2020s | 198 | 161 |
Meaning & origin
Alexi is a unisex name derived from Greek, often considered a short form of Alexis or Alexander. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1968 and saw its peak popularity in 2002. Since 1999, its usage has been falling, and in the most recent year of data (2025), it ranked 5410 with about 1 in 69,881 newborns receiving the name. The name is most common in California. Alexi has a modern, international feel and can be used for boys or girls, though historically it skews slightly male. Its simplicity and connection to the classic Alexander give it a sturdy, approachable quality.
Alexi is a diminutive of Alexis or Alexander, both from Greek roots. Alexis derives from 'alexein' meaning 'to defend, help,' while Alexander combines 'alexein' with 'aner' (man), thus 'defender of men.' The name appears in various European languages as a short form and has been used independently since the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries.
Where Alexi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alexi” around the world
Where Alexi lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lex, Lexi
Sibling names for Alexi
Names that share Alexi's style, for a brother or sister.
