Alec

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-ek /ˈæl.ɪk/High

Meaning: Short form of Alexander, from Greek Alexandros composed of alexein meaning to defend and aner (genitive andros) meaning man, giving the meaning defender of menHigh

In 30 seconds: Alec is a clean, confident short form of Alexander meaning defender of men. With a Scottish character and modern directness, it projects strength without the formality of the full name and has never gone out of style.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningShort form of Alexander, from Greek Alexandros composed of alexein meaning to defend and aner (genitive andros) meaning man, giving the meaning defender of men

U.S. rank (2025)#977 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births234 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1995

Total births (all-time)≈ 55,150

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Alec developed as a Scottish and English short form of Alexander, which was one of the most prestigious names in the ancient world through Alexander the Great. The Scottish form Alec has been used independently since at least the 18th century.

Alec maintains steady use in the United States and United Kingdom, associated with actors Alec Guinness and Alec Baldwin. It has the appeal of a traditional short form that functions perfectly as a complete given name.

Did you know? Alec Guinness (1914–2000), the British actor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy, is considered one of the greatest actors in the history of British cinema. His earnings from Star Wars reportedly continued throughout his life.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Alec — Greek etymology via AlexanderU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlexAleckAlexander

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Alec Guinness (1914–2000)
British actor considered one of the greatest in cinema history. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and is widely known as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

If you like Alec…

Alex— closest variant sharing the Greek defender of men meaning

Max— same crisp two-syllable short form of a classical name with confident energy

Felix— shares the clean two-syllable Latin-origin name with a strong, classic feel

Theo— same short classical form with a modern, approachable masculine character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alec mean?

Alec means defender of men as a short form of Alexander, from Greek alexein (to defend) and aner (man).

How do you pronounce Alec?

It is said AL-ek, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Alec short for Alexander?

Yes, Alec is a traditional Scottish and English short form of Alexander. It is also used as a complete given name.

Is Alec a popular name?

Alec has been in steady use in the United States and UK for decades, appreciated for its clean directness and classical roots.