Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Alexis
UnisexGreek· “helper, defender”
- Meaning
- helper, defender
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEHK-sihs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #554
- US babies 2025
- 547
- Best rank
- #3 (1999)
- Peak year
- 1998
Meaning and origin of Alexis
Alexis is a Greek name that means “helper, defender”.
Alexis comes from the Greek alexis, "helper" or "defender", from the verb alexein, "to defend", which also forms part of Alexander. Saint Alexius of Rome, an early holy man, made related forms popular in the Middle Ages, and the Russian Alexei belongs to the same family. Historically Alexis was a male name in Greek and French, but in the United States it became mostly feminine in the late twentieth century, influenced in part by the character Alexis Carrington in the television series Dynasty. It remains in use for both sexes. Lexi, Lexie and Alex are common nicknames.
Popularity over time
Alexis first appears in US Social Security records in 1931. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 82 different years, starting in 1943. Its best national rank was #3 in 1999, and the most babies received it in 1998, when 19,778 were named Alexis. In 2025, 547 babies were named Alexis, and it ranked #554 nationally. That is 84% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #543 in 1950, #205 in 1980, #6 in 2000, #16 in 2010, and #554 in 2025. Of the 344,557 US girls named Alexis since records began, 38% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 130,834 babies. Since 2010, 45,122 more have been named Alexis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alexis ranked highest in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Nebraska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #282 | 11 |
| New Mexico | #301 | 5 |
| Nebraska | #397 | 5 |
| Kansas | #405 | 8 |
| Michigan | #407 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Alexis is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 77% of US babies named Alexis were girls and 23% were boys.
Alexis is usually pronounced uh-LEHK-sihs, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Alexis
A few middle names that flow with Alexis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alexis
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Lists that include Alexis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alexis mean?
Alexis is a Greek name that means “helper, defender”.
What is the origin of the name Alexis?
Alexis has Greek roots. Alexis comes from the Greek alexis, "helper" or "defender", from the verb alexein, "to defend", which also forms part of Alexander.
Is Alexis a popular name?
Yes. Alexis ranked #554 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alexis a boy or girl name?
Alexis is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 77% of US babies named Alexis were girls and 23% were boys.
How do you pronounce Alexis?
Alexis is usually pronounced uh-LEHK-sihs. 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