Alec

Updated: October 31, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

When it comes to popularity, the baby name Alec has been up and down the list of the top names for boys in the United States. It almost broke into the top 100 during the 1990s, but it didn't quite make it. Today, it falls somewhere in the middle — not so popular that your little boy will have four other Alecs in his kindergarten class, but not so far out that it sounds dated or weird. While many people associate the name with a modern actor, its roots date back to the greatest general of all time.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Alec:

Alec is an English and Scottish nickname for Alexander, which has Greek and Latin roots. It's all derived from the Greek words “alexein,” which means “defend,” and “andros,” which means “man”. As such, Alec is interpreted to mean “defender of men”.

Symbolism of the Name Alec:

The name Alexander, which Alec is derived from, is synonymous with warriors and protection. For many parents, the baby name may symbolize strength and bravery.

Nicknames for the Name Alec:

Alec doesn't have an extensive list of nicknames that pair well with it, but fortunately for prospective parents there are a few options. Here are our picks for great Alec nicknames:

Al
Alex
Lex
Lexo
Als
Ale
A.C.
A
A-Man

Style of the Name Alec:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Alec:

Alec is a boy's name.

Pronunciation of the Name Alec:

AL-ik

Number of Syllables in the Name Alec:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Alec:

The name Alec evokes images of someone who is charming and entertaining.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Alec:

Aleck
Alek

Popularity of the Name Alec:

Alec was a top 1,000 baby name in the United States through the 1920s. It fell out of favor for a bit, but jumped back onto the list in the late 1940s. As of 2022, it ranks at number 739, according to the Social Security Administration.