Alexei is a name of Russian origin and means "defender" or "protector". It has been used in Russia since the Middle Ages and was popularized by the Romanov dynasty, with Tsar Alexei I being one of its most notable bearers. The name has also been associated with several saints in the Orthodox Church.
The name Alexei is composed of two elements: "Alex" which means "defender" or "helper", and "-ei" which is a diminutive suffix. It is believed to have originated from the Greek name Alexander, which was introduced into Russia through Byzantine influence.
Throughout history, several prominent figures have borne the name Alexei. Besides Tsar Alexei I, other notable individuals include Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist, and Alexei Nemov, a retired Russian gymnast who won six Olympic medals.
In terms of its usage, Alexei has been consistently popular in Russia throughout history, although its popularity has varied over time. In recent years, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity among new parents choosing names for their children.
"The name Alexee experienced a peak in popularity during the year 2002 with eleven births, while maintaining an average of around six to ten births per year between 1996 and 2007."