Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lex
BoyGreek, English· “short form of Alexander, defender”
- Meaning
- short form of Alexander, defender
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- LEHKS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,322
- US babies 2025
- 60
- Best rank
- #913 (1956)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Lex
Lex is a Greek and English name that is usually said to mean “short form of Alexander, defender”.
Lex is a short form of Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros, meaning "defender of the people." It can also shorten Alexis or Alexa. In Latin, lex means law, which gives the name an extra layer of association. Lex Luthor, Superman's archenemy in DC Comics, is its best-known fictional bearer, which gives it a bold, slightly villainous edge. It is pronounced LEHKS. The name has the same sharp, modern appeal as Max and Jax, and it can be used as a nickname or a full name. Alex is the obvious longer alternative.
Popularity over time
Lex first appears in US Social Security records in 1892. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years, starting in 1951. Its best national rank was #913 in 1956, and the most babies received it in 2012, when 94 were named Lex. In 2025, 60 babies were named Lex, and it ranked #2,322 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,009 in 1920, #1,114 in 1950, #3,537 in 1980, #2,962 in 2000, #1,863 in 2010, and #2,322 in 2025. Of the 3,995 US boys named Lex since records began, 20% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 713 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Zyion, Brylan, Avan, Tytus, and Dyson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lex ranked highest in Illinois, Georgia, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #1413 | 5 |
| Georgia | #1469 | 5 |
| California | #1928 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Lex over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Lex is usually pronounced LEHKS, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with L and ends in “-ex”.
Middle names for Lex
A few middle names that flow with Lex: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lex
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Lists that include Lex
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lex mean?
Lex is a Greek and English name that is usually said to mean “short form of Alexander, defender”.
What is the origin of the name Lex?
Lex has Greek and English roots. Lex is a short form of Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros, meaning "defender of the people." It can also shorten Alexis or Alexa.
Is Lex a popular name?
Not especially. Lex ranked #2,322 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lex a boy or girl name?
Lex is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Lex over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Lex?
Lex is usually pronounced LEHKS. 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