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 saw a significant rise in popularity from 1984 to its peak in 1995, with a notable drop after the late 90s.