What does Alexei mean and where does it come from?
The name Alexei is of Russian origin and is more commonly associated with males; however, it is sometimes used for females as well. It is derived from the Greek name Alexandros (Αλέξανδρος), which means 'to defend' or 'protector'. In history, notable figures include Alexei Romanov, the heir apparent
Cultural significance
Alexei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of defender of men.
Peak popularity
Reached #2752 in 2024 — currently #3245 in the US.
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Related Reading
Russia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alexei?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alexei?
Alexei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alexei Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Alexei John
One syllable · timeless choice
Alexei Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Alexei Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Alexei Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Alexei Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Alexei right now?
Falling — down 493 spots — currently #3245 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3245 | 36 | ▼ down 493 · -23% births |
| 2024 | #2752 | 47 | ▲ up 664 · +38% births |
| 2023 | #3416 | 34 | ▼ down 587 · -24% births |
| 2022 | #2829 | 45 | ▼ down 277 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #2552 | 51 | ▲ up 12212 · +750% births |
| 2015 | #14764 | 6 | ▼ down 1057 · -14% births |
| 2010 | #13707 | 7 | ▼ down 162 · +17% births |
| 2000 | #13545 | 6 | — |
The story of Alexei
Alexei is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1993. With 1,259 total births recorded, Alexei remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13545 in 2000 to #3416 in 2023. Alexei is used for both genders: 8% female and 92% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alexei in 2024:
Alexei by decade
Alexei peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 24 | |
| 1970s | 83 | |
| 1980s | 74 | |
| 1990s | 250 | |
| 2000s ★ | 421 | |
| 2010s | 366 | |
| 2020s | 124 | |
💎With 1,259 total births, Alexei is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Alexei?
RUSSIAN
AleksAlyoshaLyosha
What names sound and feel like Alexei?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alexei also consider these
How is Alexei written in other languages?
Алексей
Russian), Олексій (Ukrainian), Аляксей (Belarusian
What are the girl versions of Alexei?
Common questions about the name Alexei
What does the name Alexei mean?
Alexei means "defender of men" — a name rooted in Russia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alexei?
Alexei is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Alexei?
Alexei originates from Russia tradition. Russia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alexei?
Alexei is a three-syllable name pronounced ul-EKS-ay. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Alexei?
Alexei pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Russia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.