Alexis is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'alexein', which means 'to defend' or 'to protect'. It is believed to have been first used as a Christian name in honor of the first bishop of Myra, who was martyred in the fourth century AD.
The name Alexis has been popular throughout history. In ancient times, it was often given to boys in hopes that they would grow up to be strong and brave defenders of their families and communities. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name among the nobility, with several kings and princes named Alexis.
Today, Alexis is still a popular name for boys around the world. It has also become increasingly popular as a girl's name in recent years, likely due to its association with the famous French writer Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Count of Monte Cristo," whose main character is named Albert Mondego, known by his friends as Alexis.
Overall, the name Alexis carries a strong and protective connotation, making it a fitting choice for parents looking for a name that embodies strength and resilience. Its rich history and international popularity make it a versatile option for boys or girls alike.
The name Alexis has seen a significant evolution in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early decades of the 20th century, its usage was quite low, with only five births each year between 1931 and 1941. However, it began to gain traction in the mid-1940s, with a notable increase from 89 births in 1943 to 268 births in 1949.
The popularity of Alexis continued to grow throughout the following decades, reaching its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1995, there were 14,334 births with the name Alexis, which increased to a staggering 19,777 births in 1998, marking it as one of the most popular names for girls during that time.
However, like many trends, the popularity of the name Alexis began to decline after its peak. By 2005, there were only 11,976 births with the name, and this number continued to decrease steadily over the following years. In recent years, the popularity of Alexis has stabilized at a much lower level than its peak, with only 875 births in 2022.
Overall, while Alexis experienced significant ups and downs in popularity throughout the past century, it remains a timeless name that has been given to over 343,345 babies born in the United States since 1931.