Alec

Alec is an English short form of Alexander, which derives from the ancient Greek name Alexandros, composed of the elements alexein, meaning to defend, and aner, meaning man. The name gained widespread use in the English-speaking world partly through the enduring legacy of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king who built a vast empire in the fourth century BC. Alec has long functioned as an independent given name rather than merely a nickname, and notable bearers include the British actor Alec Guinness. Related forms include Alex, Aleck, and the fuller Alexander, along with feminine variants such as Alexandra.