Alexius is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word 'Alexios', which translates to 'defender' or 'helper'. This name has been used throughout history, particularly in the Byzantine Empire.
The name Alexius was borne by several notable figures in the past. One of the most famous was Alexius I Comnenus, who was the founder and first Emperor of the Komnenian dynasty in the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century. Another prominent figure was Alexius IV Angelus, who briefly ruled as Emperor of the Byzantine Empire before its fall to the Fourth Crusade.
Alexius is also found in literature, notably in "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, where the main character's name is William of Baskerville, but he is often referred to as 'Brother Alexius'.
Despite its rich history and unique sound, Alexius remains relatively rare today. It is not typically used outside of Greece or among those with a strong interest in Byzantine history. Nevertheless, it continues to be a captivating and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Alexius experienced significant popularity with a steady increase from the late 1980s to its peak in the mid-1990s. The most notable years were 1993 with 56 births and 1994 with 79, indicating that around this time, Alexius was quite trendy. However, since then, its popularity has consistently declined, reaching an all-time low of just 5 births in 2016. Overall, there have been 1515 babies named Alexius from 1978 to 2017.