Alexei is a male given name of Greek origin that means "defender" or "protector." It is derived from the Greek word "alexein," which means "to defend" or "to protect." The name Alexei has been used throughout history by several notable figures, including Russian Tsars and saints.
The name first appeared in Russia during the Middle Ages, where it was introduced by Byzantine Greeks who settled in the region. It became increasingly popular among Russian nobility over time and was eventually adopted as a royal name when Alexei I was crowned Tsar of Russia in 1645.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Alexei, including:
* Saint Alexei, also known as Alexius the Man of God, who was a Christian saint venerated by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
* Alexei I (1629-1676), who was the Tsar of Russia from 1645 until his death in 1676. He is known for implementing several reforms aimed at strengthening the Russian state and improving the lives of its citizens.
* Alexei II (1929-2008), who was the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia from 1990 until his death in 2008. He played a significant role in the revival of the Orthodox Church after decades of suppression under Soviet rule.
Today, Alexei remains a popular male given name throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. It has also gained some popularity in other parts of the world, including North America and Western Europe. Despite its historical associations with royalty and saintliness, the name Alexei is simply seen by many parents today as a strong, distinctive choice for their sons.
The name Alexei has a long history of usage in the United States, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1961 when there were just five babies named Alexei.
Throughout the following decades, the popularity of the name Alexei fluctuated significantly. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, the number of births increased slightly, reaching a peak of thirteen births in 1968 and eleven births in 1970.
However, from 1972 onwards, there was a notable decline in the popularity of the name Alexei. For several years, the number of births remained below ten each year, with some years seeing as few as five births.
Nevertheless, the late 1980s and early 1990s saw a resurgence in the popularity of the name Alexei. In 1992 and 1993, eighteen babies were named Alexei each year, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with peak years including 1998 (thirty-five births) and 2000-2001 (forty-eight births each year).
Despite this growth in popularity, the number of births named Alexei began to decline once again in the mid-2000s. However, since 2015, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of the name Alexei. In recent years, the number of births has hovered around forty each year, with peaks including fifty-one births in 2021 and forty-seven births in 2019.
In total, between 1961 and 2023, there have been 1,286 babies named Alexei born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied significantly over time, it remains a well-established choice among parents in the US.