Alex

Alex is a short form of Alexander, derived from the ancient Greek name Alexandros, composed of the elements alexein, meaning to defend or protect, and aner, meaning man. The name gained widespread use across Europe and beyond largely through the fame of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king who built one of history's largest empires in the fourth century BCE. Alex functions as an independent given name in many cultures and is used for people of any gender. Related forms include Alexandra, Alexis, Alessandro, and Aleksander.