The name Alec is a shortened form of the Scottish name Alexander, which means "defending men" or "protector of mankind." This name has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Alexander the Great, who was a King of Macedon in ancient Greece.
Alec became popular as an independent given name in its own right during the 19th century. It was often used as a nickname for Alexander but eventually gained widespread acceptance as a full name. Today, Alec is considered a classic yet modern choice for boys' names and has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States.
The name Alec has appeared in various forms of literature and media throughout history. One notable example is Alexander Alec Smith, a character from Charles Dickens's novel "David Copperfield." Additionally, several famous actors share this name, such as Alec Baldwin and Alec Guinness.
Overall, the name Alec carries a strong historical background and classic appeal while also having a modern and approachable sound. Its meaning makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a name that signifies strength and protection.
The name Alec has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1984 and 2016, there were a total of 337 babies named Alec at birth.
The name's peak in popularity occurred in 1995 with 37 births, indicating that it was quite favored during that year. However, its popularity has fluctuated since then, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year between 1996 and 2008. There was a slight resurgence in the early 2000s, with 23 births in 1998 and 25 births in 1993.
Since 2004, the number of babies named Alec has been relatively low, with no more than 11 births per year. The most recent data available shows that there were 6 births in 2016, indicating that while Alec may not be a highly popular name currently, it still maintains some presence among new parents.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Alec has had its ups and downs in popularity over the years but continues to be chosen by families across different decades.