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Alex

Boy / Girl name · 2,856 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Alex: 2,856 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 106 births in 2008.

A short form of Alexander, itself from the Greek *Alexandros* meaning "defender of men," Alex has been used as an independent given name since at least the 19th century. It also occasionally derives from the feminine name Alexis. Perhaps the most famous bearer is Alexander the Great, the ancient king whose conquests spread the name across the world. In Scotland, Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, made the name synonymous with footballing success. The city of Alexandria in Egypt was named after Alexander the Great, while numerous towns and streets worldwide bear the same name. Notable for its gender-neutral appeal, Alex has been a consistently popular choice in Scotland for both boys and girls since the 1970s.