Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lexi
GirlEnglish, Greek· “defender; short for Alexandra”
- Meaning
- defender; short for Alexandra
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- LEHK-see
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #628
- US babies 2025
- 464
- Best rank
- #241 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Lexi
Lexi is an English and Greek name that means “defender; short for Alexandra”.
Lexi is a short form of Alexandra, Alexis and Alexa, names built on the Greek alexein, to defend or help. It has also become a name in its own right, particularly in the United States and Britain. Lexi has a lively, playful sound, and its x gives it a modern edge. Some parents like it for its connection to words such as lexicon, though that link is only a coincidence of sound. Lexi can be given alone or kept as a nickname for a longer, more formal name. The spellings Lexie and Lexy are also common.
Popularity over time
Lexi first appears in US Social Security records in 1948. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 33 different years, starting in 1993. Its best national rank was #241 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,334 babies. In 2025, 464 babies were named Lexi, and it ranked #628 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,272 in 1980, #439 in 2000, #242 in 2010, and #628 in 2025. Of the 28,115 US girls named Lexi since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 9,000 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kenzie, Jaylah, Annabella, Lilliana, and Daleyza.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lexi ranked highest in Utah, Washington, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #399 | 11 |
| Washington | #400 | 18 |
| Nevada | #402 | 7 |
| California | #429 | 78 |
| Kansas | #476 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lexi is usually pronounced LEHK-see, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-xi”.
Middle names for Lexi
A few middle names that flow with Lexi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lexi
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Lists that include Lexi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lexi mean?
Lexi is an English and Greek name that means “defender; short for Alexandra”.
What is the origin of the name Lexi?
Lexi has English and Greek roots. Lexi is a short form of Alexandra, Alexis and Alexa, names built on the Greek alexein, to defend or help.
Is Lexi a popular name?
Yes. Lexi ranked #628 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lexi a boy or girl name?
Lexi is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lexi?
Lexi is usually pronounced LEHK-see. 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