Alexei is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexander. The name Alexander means "defender of the people" or "protector of mankind." Alexei is a shorter form of Alexander and has been used as an independent given name since the Middle Ages.
The name Alexei has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Tsar Alexei I Romanov, who ruled Russia from 1649 to 1676. He was known for his efforts to improve the lives of common people and for his support of cultural development during his reign.
Another notable figure with the name Alexei was Alexei II of Russia, also known as Alexis II, who served as the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia from 1990 until his death in 2008. He was a prominent figure in the Russian Orthodox Church and played an important role in the restoration of religious freedom in post-Soviet Russia.
In literature, Alexei is also the name of the main character in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov." The character of Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov is a central figure in the story and is known for his kindness, compassion, and spiritual wisdom.
Today, Alexei continues to be a popular given name in many countries around the world. It has been used by people from various backgrounds and cultures, each bringing their own unique interpretation of this classic name. Whether as an independent given name or a shortened form of Alexander, Alexei carries with it a sense of history, strength, and wisdom.
The name Alexei has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak of 12 births in 1998 and lowest points at 5 births in 2001 and 2003. Interestingly, there's been an increase again more recently, with 6 births each in 2021 and 2022.