Alexa is a name of Greek origin that means "defending men." It is derived from the Greek word "alexein," which means "to defend" or "to protect." The name Alexa has been used throughout history, with notable figures such as Saint Alexa, who was a martyr in the early Christian church.
In ancient Greece, the name Alexa was often given to daughters born into families that placed a high value on strength and protection. Throughout the centuries, the name has continued to be popular among families who wish to bestow their children with a strong and meaningful name.
The name Alexa has gained even more popularity in recent years due to its use as the name of Amazon's virtual assistant. However, it is important to note that the name predates the technology by many centuries and has its own unique history and significance.
Overall, the name Alexa is a powerful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a name with a strong Greek heritage and a deep-rooted history. Whether you're naming your child after Saint Alexa or simply drawn to the strength implied by the name's meaning, Alexa is a timeless and memorable option.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Alexa has experienced a significant shift in popularity over the past century in the United States.
The earliest record of the name Alexa appears in 1916 with five births that year and again in 1917. The number of births remained relatively low until the late 1940s when it began to steadily increase, reaching a peak of 24 births in 1946.
The popularity of the name Alexa continued to rise throughout the 1950s, with a significant spike in 1957 (53 births) and another notable increase in 1968 (79 births). This upward trend persisted into the 1970s, with the number of births reaching triple digits for the first time in 1972 (92 births) and again in 1973 (152 births).
The 1980s marked a turning point for the name Alexa, as it began to gain widespread popularity. The number of births skyrocketed from 498 in 1986 to 2131 in 1990 – an increase of over 300%. This exponential growth continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, with the name Alexa reaching its zenith in popularity between 2002 and 2006.
However, since 2007, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of births named Alexa. This downward trend accelerated in recent years, with only 577 births recorded in 2022 and an estimated 490 births expected for 2023.
In total, over the past century, approximately 130,946 babies born in the United States have been named Alexa. Despite its current waning popularity, Alexa remains a name with significant historical relevance and a rich tapestry of statistical trends to explore.