A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elex since 1888
Babies named Elex per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elex's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 32 |
| 1910s | 121 |
| 1920s | 111 |
| 1930s | 100 |
| 1940s | 66 |
| 1950s | 58 |
| 1960s | 43 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 31 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 56 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Elex is a rare given name in the United States, with a history that stretches back to 1888, when it was first recorded. Its peak year was 1902, after which it declined sharply. However, since 2008, Elex has been on a rising trajectory, suggesting a modest revival. Despite its long history, the name has never achieved widespread popularity; as of 2025, it ranks 12,008, with only about 1 in 341,615 newborns receiving the name. Elex is most likely a modern respelling or short form of Alex or Alexander, though its exact origin remains uncertain. It has not been consistently associated with any particular state or region.
Elex appears to be a modern coinage, likely a respelling or short form of Alex or Alexander. Its use in the United States dates back to the late 19th century, with a first recorded occurrence in 1888. It has seen a recent resurgence since 2008.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Alex
Sibling names for Elex
Names that share Elex's style, for a brother or sister.
