Alexis is a Greek name that means "helper" or "defender." It has been used throughout history and across different cultures, but it was the Roman Emperor Hadrian who first brought significant attention to the name Alexis.
Hadrian, whose reign lasted from AD 117 to 138, was known for his love of art and culture. He had a close friend named Aelius, whose full name was believed to be Aelius Aristides Alexis. This association with Hadrian helped popularize the name Alexis in ancient Rome.
Over time, the name Alexis continued to gain popularity throughout Europe. It was used by several royals and nobles, further cementing its status as a prestigious name. For instance, Alexis of Russia was the son of Tsar Nicholas II and a member of the Romanov dynasty.
In literature, the name Alexis has been featured prominently in works like "Alexis ou Le Traité du peintre" (Alexis or The Treatise on Painting) by Jacques-Louis David, a French painter and politician. This further contributed to its cultural significance.
Today, Alexis remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a strong historical background and a unique sound. It is often used in both English-speaking countries and those influenced by Greek culture. Despite its rich history, the name Alexis does not have any specific festivals or traits associated with it, allowing each individual to create their own legacy based on their personal qualities and experiences.
The name Alexis has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In its early years, from 1882 to 1950, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 20 births per year on average. However, starting around 1952, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Alexis, reaching a peak in 1979 with 331 births.
The name continued to rise in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with over 1,000 births per year recorded from 1992 onwards. The highest point was reached in 1995, with an impressive 1,881 births that year. Since then, popularity has fluctuated but remained high, with over 600 births per year up until 2023.
In total, between 1882 and 2023, there have been 66,846 babies named Alexis.