Declining since 1994, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Alyx since 1978
Babies named Alyx per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 | 0 |
| 1980s | 131 | 5 |
| 1990s | 496 | 52 |
| 2000s | 303 | 52 |
| 2010s | 252 | 38 |
| 2020s | 106 | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Alyx is a rare, modern spelling of Alex that first appeared in U.S. records in 1978. Its peak usage came in 1993, but since 1994 its popularity has been steadily declining. In 2025, it ranked 10,917th, with only about 1 in every 200,908 newborn girls receiving the name. The spelling with a 'y' gives it a sleek, contemporary feel, and it has been used for both girls and boys, though it is predominantly female. The name's rarity means it has no strong regional or state ties, and it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a variation of a classic name.
Alyx is a modern respelling of Alex, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men'. The spelling with a 'y' emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by names like Dylan or by the desire for a distinctive yet familiar variation. It gained some visibility through the video game character Alyx Vance from the Half-Life series (2004), but its usage predates that.
“Alyx” around the world
Where Alyx lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lex, Ali
Variants: Alex, Alyxandra, Alyxandria
Sibling names for Alyx
Names that share Alyx's style, for a brother or sister.
