Alexis

Meaning & origin

Alexis held rank 554 in 2025, reflecting its status as a moderately used name today. Its peak popularity came in 1998, when it was given to roughly 1 in every 188 girls, making it a defining name of that era. Since that peak, the name has been on a falling trajectory, declining steadily over the last two decades. The Social Security Administration data shows Alexis has been recorded since at least 1931, but its surge began in the 1980s, rising sharply through the 1990s. In recent years, the name is most popular in states like New Mexico, Connecticut, and Nebraska. Its versatility as a unisex name with a strong, classic meaning continues to appeal to parents, though its usage has notably diminished from its former high point.

Alexis originates from the Greek name Alexios (Αλέξιος), derived from the verb alexein, meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' It shares its root with names like Alexander and Alexandra. Historically, it was a male name in the ancient world; notable early bearers include several saints and the 5th-century Greek comic poet Alexis. In English-speaking countries, Alexis became popular as a feminine name in the 20th century, likely influenced by the rise of similar-sounding names like Alexa and Alexia. The name's use for both boys and girls increased in the United States during the 1980s and peaked in popularity for girls in the late 1990s.