Alec is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Ailig. It is composed of two elements: "alba," which means "Scotland" in Gaelic, and "cairdeach," meaning "companionship." Therefore, Alec can be translated as "companion of Scotland."
The name Alec has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. In Scottish folklore, Saint Adomnán is often referred to as Ailéin or Alec. He was a bishop and scholar who lived in the 7th century and is known for his work on the life of Saint Columba.
In literature, one notable character named Alec appears in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Redgauntlet." The name has also been used in several other works of fiction, such as in D.H. Lawrence's novel "The Rainbow" and in the movie "A Star is Born," where the main male character is named Norman Maine Alec.
Today, Alec remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their baby boy. Its Scottish origins add to its charm, and its historical significance makes it a classic choice.
The name Alec saw significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. From just a handful of births per year in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it rose dramatically from the mid-1980s onwards, peaking in the early to mid-1990s with numbers exceeding 3000 births annually between 1994 and 1996. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, dropping below 500 births per year since 2017. Despite this decline, Alec remains a name of notable historical usage, having been given to over 54,000 individuals in the provided dataset alone.