Alex Name Meaning, Origin and Pronunciation

ByNamelyra Editorial Team

Alex is a Greek-origin name meaning “defender of men,” a gender-neutral short form of both Alexander and Alexandra.
Meaning defender of men
Origin Greek (from Alexandros/Alexander)
Pronunciation AL-ex
Gender Gender-neutral, used as a short form for both the masculine Alexander and feminine Alexandra
Related forms Alexander, Alexandra, Alexis

Origin and history

Alex functions as a genuinely gender-neutral short form, shared equally by Alexander (the masculine full form) and Alexandra (the feminine full form), both of which trace to the Greek Alexandros, combining elements meaning to defend and men. Because it works equally as a standalone name for either gender, Alex is one of the more reliably gender-neutral names in common use, rather than one that has simply shifted toward one gender over time.

Is Alex a boy or girl name?

Both, genuinely and equally, depending on whether it’s used as a short form of Alexander or Alexandra, or given as a standalone name.

Names similar to Alex

  • Alexander (the full masculine form)
  • Alexandra (the full feminine form)
  • Alexis (a related form used for both genders)

Frequently asked questions

Is Alex more often short for Alexander or Alexandra?

It genuinely serves both equally, unlike some short forms that lean toward one gender over time, making it one of the more balanced gender-neutral names in current use.

Is Alex ever given as a complete standalone name?

Yes, increasingly it’s chosen directly as a given name rather than only as a nickname for a longer form.

Related reading

Parent hub: name meanings.