Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision. You want something that resonates with you, sounds pleasing, and perhaps even carries a meaningful history. The name Alec is a strong contender, offering a blend of classic charm and contemporary appeal. Let’s delve into the popularity, meaning, and variations of this enduring moniker.
The name Alec is most commonly used as a boy name and comes from Greek origin. The meaning of Alec is "defender of mankind".
Alec Name Popularity
How popular is the name Alec? The following data reveals its historical trends in the United States. While it experienced periods of relative obscurity, it surged in popularity during the late 20th century before experiencing a gradual decline in recent years.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1911 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1912 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1913 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1914 | 824 | 16 | 0.0023% |
| 1915 | 1,073 | 11 | 0.0012% |
| 1916 | – | 0 | 0% |
| … | … | … | … |
| 1989 | 377 | 550 | 0.0341% |
| 1990 | 271 | 945 | 0.057% |
| 1991 | 199 | 1,520 | 0.0933% |
| 1992 | 171 | 1,848 | 0.1158% |
| 1993 | 154 | 2,078 | 0.1333% |
| 1994 | 109 | 3,316 | 0.2161% |
| 1995 | 112 | 3,418 | 0.2268% |
| 1996 | 117 | 3,301 | 0.2205% |
| 1997 | 123 | 3,131 | 0.2117% |
| 1998 | 112 | 3,345 | 0.2235% |
| 1999 | 132 | 2,882 | 0.1924% |
| 2000 | 156 | 2,466 | 0.1614% |
| 2001 | 174 | 2,136 | 0.1418% |
| 2002 | 206 | 1,733 | 0.1156% |
| 2003 | 226 | 1,507 | 0.0991% |
| 2004 | 247 | 1,305 | 0.0856% |
| 2005 | 291 | 1,109 | 0.0725% |
| 2006 | 330 | 951 | 0.0607% |
| 2007 | 367 | 831 | 0.0527% |
| 2008 | 391 | 737 | 0.0477% |
| 2009 | 405 | 685 | 0.0458% |
| 2010 | 415 | 636 | 0.0441% |
| 2011 | 416 | 621 | 0.0436% |
| 2012 | 451 | 564 | 0.0396% |
| 2013 | 448 | 593 | 0.0417% |
| 2014 | 453 | 606 | 0.0416% |
| 2015 | 450 | 625 | 0.043% |
| 2016 | 490 | 568 | 0.0394% |
| 2017 | 490 | 540 | 0.0387% |
| 2018 | 528 | 480 | 0.0349% |
| 2019 | 533 | 473 | 0.0349% |
| 2020 | 584 | 424 | 0.0333% |
| 2021 | 689 | 338 | 0.0276% |
| 2022 | 739 | 302 | 0.0229% |
| 2023 | 826 | 248 | 0.0192% |
Data via SSA.gov
Names Like Alec
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Alec, you might also appreciate these similar names:
- Variants: Alick (Scottish variant, meaning "man’s defender, warrior")
- Sound-Alikes: Aleck (Greek origin, meaning "man’s defender, warrior"), Aleco (Greek origin, meaning "man’s defender, warrior"), Alek (Greek origin, meaning "man’s defender, warrior"), Alic (Greek origin, meaning "man’s defender, warrior")
- Similar Names: Alex (Greek origin, meaning "defender of man")
Sibling Names
Families who choose the name Alec often select these names for their other children: Julian (Latin origin, meaning "young at heart").
The Enduring Appeal of Alec
Alec possesses a timeless quality that transcends generations. Its strong meaning, combined with its simple yet elegant sound, makes it a versatile choice for parents seeking a name that is both classic and contemporary. Whether you’re drawn to its historical roots or its modern appeal, Alec remains a name worthy of consideration.