Alex

The word “Alex” means a unisex given name, most often used as a short form of Alexander or Alexandra. In plain terms, a common short first name, used for both men and women.

“Alex” is pronounced A-lihks (/ˈæ.lɪks/ in IPA).

Here is “Alex” used in a sentence: “Alex works as a graphic designer downtown.”

“Alex” is a name.

The word “Alex” comes from Greek. A clipping of Alexander (or Alexandra), ultimately from Greek meaning "defender of man.".

“Alex” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Alex is most commonly short for Alexander (for boys) or Alexandra (for girls). It can also shorten related names such as Alexis, Alexei, Alexandria or Alejandro. Many people are given Alex as their full legal name too, so it does not always stand for a longer version.

Alex carries the meaning of the names it comes from, Alexander and Alexandra, which trace back to the Greek for 'defender' or 'protector of the people'. The root combines 'alexein', to defend, with 'andros', man or warrior. So the name broadly suggests a helper or guardian of others.

It can be either. Traditionally Alex is a nickname or short form of longer names like Alexander and Alexandra. Increasingly, though, parents register Alex as a complete given name in its own right, so whether it is 'short for' anything depends entirely on the individual.