Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Alexa
GirlGreek, English· “defender of men”
- Meaning
- defender of men
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEK-suh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,029
- US babies 2025
- 243
- Best rank
- #32 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Alexa
Alexa is a Greek and English name that means “defender of men”.
Alexa is a short form of Alexandra, the feminine of Alexander, from the Greek elements alexein, to defend, and aner, man. It has been used as an independent name in English for generations and is familiar across Europe. Its association with a well-known voice assistant has made some families hesitate, but the name itself is much older than that technology. Alexa has a crisp, confident sound with a friendly ending. Lexi and Lexa are common nicknames, and Alexandra and Alexis are related names.
Popularity over time
Alexa first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 52 different years, starting in 1973. Its best national rank was #32 in 2015, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 6,117 were named Alexa. In 2025, 243 babies were named Alexa, and it ranked #1,029 nationally. That is 96% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,495 in 1950, #859 in 1980, #87 in 2000, #50 in 2010, and #1,029 in 2025. Of the 131,551 US girls named Alexa since records began, 37% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 41,999 babies. Since 2010, 45,653 more have been named Alexa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Angelina, Nevaeh, Jocelyn, Maya, and Jada.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alexa ranked highest in Kansas, Texas, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | #583 | 5 |
| Texas | #663 | 46 |
| Illinois | #670 | 14 |
| California | #733 | 42 |
| Maryland | #735 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alexa is usually pronounced uh-LEK-suh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-xa”.
Middle names for Alexa
A few middle names that flow with Alexa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alexa
Similar names
Melody Girl
MEH-luh-dee
“song” · Greek
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Harmony Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
“agreement, concord” · Greek
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Elaina Girl
ih-LAY-nuh
“form of Helen; often said to mean torch” · Greek
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Azalea Girl
uh-ZAYL-yuh
“azalea flower; dry” · Greek
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Harmoni Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
“harmony” · Greek
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Pamela Girl
PA-muh-luh
“often said to mean 'all sweetness'” · English
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Indigo Unisex
IN-dih-goh
“indigo dye; from India” · English
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Georgina Girl
jawr-JEE-nuh
“farmer” · Greek
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Melinda Girl
muh-LIHN-duh
“from Greek meli honey plus -inda” · English
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Lexa Girl
LEK-suh
“short form of Alexandra, defender” · Greek
#4,827
Marissa Girl
muh-RIH-suh
“elaboration of Maria; linked to the sea” · English
#1,679
Jillian Girl
JIH-lee-uhn
“youthful; form of Juliana” · English
#1,266
Lists that include Alexa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alexa mean?
Alexa is a Greek and English name that means “defender of men”.
What is the origin of the name Alexa?
Alexa has Greek and English roots. Alexa is a short form of Alexandra, the feminine of Alexander, from the Greek elements alexein, to defend, and aner, man.
Is Alexa a popular name?
Not especially. Alexa ranked #1,029 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Alexa a boy or girl name?
Alexa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alexa?
Alexa is usually pronounced uh-LEK-suh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings