Alex
9 synonyms for Alex, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A unisex given name, most often used as a short form of Alexander or Alexandra.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Xander
Aleks
Etymology
A clipping of Alexander (or Alexandra), ultimately from Greek meaning "defender of man."
Full origin of Alex →Frequently asked questions
What does “Alex” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “Alex”?
“Alex” is pronounced A-lihks (/ˈæ.lɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “Alex” in a sentence?
Here is “Alex” used in a sentence: “Alex works as a graphic designer downtown.”
What part of speech is “Alex”?
“Alex” is a name.
Where does the word “Alex” come from?
The word “Alex” comes from Greek. A clipping of Alexander (or Alexandra), ultimately from Greek meaning "defender of man.".
Is “Alex” a common word?
“Alex” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is Alex short for?
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.
What does the name Alex mean?
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.
Is Alex a nickname or a full name?
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.
