Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Elek since 1996
Babies named Elek per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 89 |
| 2010s | 94 |
| 2020s | 46 |
Meaning & origin
Elek, ranking 10,695th in 2025 with approximately 1 in 284,679 boys receiving the name, is a rare Hungarian name in the United States. Its peak popularity occurred in 2004, and it has maintained a stable trajectory since its first recorded U.S. appearance in 1996. While the name has no significant concentration in any single U.S. state, it carries the heritage of Hungarian culture, often linked to saints and historical figures through its connection to Alexius. Parents drawn to short, strong names with Eastern European flavor may find Elek an uncommon but meaningful choice.
Elek is a Hungarian given name, often considered a short form or variant of Elek from Alexius (via Latin Alexius, from Greek Alexios, meaning 'defender' or 'helper'). It can also be a variant of the Slavic name Aleksander or the Greek name Alexis. The name Elek has been in use in Hungary since the Middle Ages, sometimes as a surname as well. It remains relatively uncommon internationally.
Sibling names for Elek
Names that share Elek's style, for a brother or sister.
