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Alexis

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-LEK-sis /əˈlɛk.sɪs/High

Meaning: From Greek Alexis, derived from the verb alexein meaning 'to defend' or 'to help'; originally a boys' name in Greek and Byzantine tradition, it became predominantly a girls' name in the United States from the 1980s onwardHigh

In 30 seconds: Alexis is a powerful Greek name meaning 'defender,' which transitioned from a boys' classic to America's favorite girls' name of the 1980s and 1990s. Dynasty's Alexis Carrington changed everything.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Alexis, derived from the verb alexein meaning 'to defend' or 'to help'; originally a boys' name in Greek and Byzantine tradition, it became predominantly a girls' name in the United States from the 1980s onward
U.S. rank (2025)#554 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births547 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 344,531

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199819312025

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

History & Origin

Alexis comes from Greek alexein (to defend, to help), a close relative of Alexander. It was borne by Byzantine emperors and Russian tsars for over a millennium as a masculine name. In Greece, Byzantine tradition, and Russia it remained male through most of history. The U.S. transformation to a primarily feminine name is a modern phenomenon, largely driven by pop culture.

In the United States, Alexis for girls exploded in the 1980s, directly following the popularity of the Dynasty character. By the early 2000s it ranked in the top 5 for girls. It has declined somewhat since its peak but remains in the top 100 and is still one of the most recognized feminine names in America. It is also popular in Hispanic communities. The male use continues in Greek, Russian, and Latino communities.

Did you know? Alexis Carrington, the glamorous antagonist played by Joan Collins on the TV series Dynasty (1981–1989), is widely credited with turning Alexis from an almost exclusively boys' name into one of the top girls' names in America — one of the most dramatic single-character naming impacts in television history.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Alexis — etymology and gender historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlexesAlexiaAlexi

Nicknames

AlexLexiLex

Famous Bearers

  • ★Alexis Bledel (1981–present)
    American actress known for Gilmore Girls and The Handmaid's Tale.

If you like Alexis…

Alexa— the most direct feminine variant of the same Greek root with the same defender meaning
Alexia— another feminine form of the same Greek base with a slightly more classical sound
Jessica— shares the 1980s–1990s American popularity peak and the same polished, confident feel
Vanessa— three-syllable girls' name from the same generation with the same enduring American appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alexis mean?

Alexis comes from Greek alexein meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' It is a name of ancient Greek and Byzantine origin that became enormously popular for girls in America from the 1980s.

How do you pronounce Alexis?

It is said ah-LEK-sis — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Alexis a boy or girl name?

Alexis is historically a boys' name but is now predominantly used for girls in the United States. It remains male in Greek, Russian, and some Latino communities.

How popular is Alexis?

Alexis ranked in the U.S. top 5 for girls in the early 2000s and remains in the top 100, one of the most recognizable girls' names of the past four decades.