Alec is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Ailig. It is composed of two elements: "alba," which means "Scotland" in Gaelic, and "cairdeach," meaning "companionship." Therefore, Alec can be translated as "companion of Scotland."
The name Alec has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. In Scottish folklore, Saint Adomnán is often referred to as Ailéin or Alec. He was a bishop and scholar who lived in the 7th century and is known for his work on the life of Saint Columba.
In literature, one notable character named Alec appears in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Redgauntlet." The name has also been used in several other works of fiction, such as in D.H. Lawrence's novel "The Rainbow" and in the movie "A Star is Born," where the main male character is named Norman Maine Alec.
Today, Alec remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their baby boy. Its Scottish origins add to its charm, and its historical significance makes it a classic choice.
The name Alec has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 54,639 births recorded since 1880.
While the number of births for this name varied greatly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ranging from as low as 5 births in some years to a high of 21 births in 1912, it began to gain traction in the mid-20th century. The first significant spike occurred in 1956, with 75 births, followed by an even higher number of 82 births in 1958.
The popularity of Alec continued to rise throughout the latter half of the 20th century, with notable peaks occurring in:
* 1983: 203 births
* 1984: 252 births
* 1985: 290 births
* 1986: 377 births
* 1987: 446 births
The name's popularity reached its zenith in the early to mid-1990s, with record-breaking years such as:
* 1991: 1539 births
* 1992: 1866 births
* 1993: 2090 births
* 1994: 3322 births
However, since the mid-1990s, the popularity of Alec has steadily declined. Despite this downward trend, it remains a beloved name among parents in the United States, with 665 births recorded in 2015 and 390 births in 2021.
In conclusion, while Alec's popularity has fluctuated over time, its overall trend shows an increase in usage since the mid-20th century. Despite a recent decline, it remains a well-liked name for parents looking to give their child a strong, distinctive moniker.