Aleck
Aleck was not among the names given to 5 or more boys in 2025. Its best year was 1886, when it ranked 758th; the most babies were born in 1917 (32). More babies were named Aleck in the 2000s than in any other decade.
Meaning (as Alec) short form of Alexander · Scottish, Greek
- Rank in 2025
- Not rankedboys
- Babies in 2025
- 0boys
- Girls and boys
- Almost always a boy’s name2021–2025
- Peak year
- 191732 babies
- Total since 1880
- 1,223babies recorded
What does the name Aleck mean?
Aleck is a spelling of Alec, pronounced the same way, so it shares Alec's meaning and origin.
Alec is a short form of Alexander, originally Scottish. Alexander is from Greek Alexandros, made of alexein 'to defend, protect' and anēr, andros 'man', so 'defender of men'. The name was spread by Alexander the Great and was a royal name in Scotland, where Alec and Alick became common short forms. The actors Alec Guinness and Alec Baldwin are well-known bearers.
ἀλέξειν (alexein) (Ancient Greek, “to defend”)ἀνήρ (anēr) (Ancient Greek, “man”)
How sure is this? Well established.
Related names: Alexander, Alex, Alick, Alexis.
See also: Greek names, names that mean protector.
Sources for this meaning
- Wiktionary, entry 'Alec', Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0; facts restated, no text reused)
- Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources, ed. S. L. Uckelman, Edition 2023 no. 1, s.v. 'Alexander', DMNES (Durham University)
Aleck popularity since 1880
| Year | Rank (boys) | Babies (boys) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2020 | #5,462 | 16 |
| 2010 | #4,245 | 23 |
| 2000 | #3,423 | 24 |
| 1990 | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1950 | #3,698 | 5 |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1930 | #2,612 | 10 |
| 1920 | #1,419 | 27 |
| 1910 | #1,592 | 5 |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
How popular is Aleck, counting every spelling?
Aleck is a spelling of Alec, a name family that ranked #824 for boys in 2025 once every spelling is counted together. Together these spellings went to 284 boys in 2025.
Spellings count together when they sound the same in American English and are used for the same sex; nicknames and forms that sound different (such as Theo and Theodore) are kept apart. How we group spellings.
How old are people named Aleck?
About 700 people born in the US named Aleck are alive today, with a median age of 21; half are between 13 and 29. That makes Aleck mostly worn by children and young adults.
Babies given the name each year (SSA) times the share of that birth year still alive (SSA life tables). Counts people born in the US only. Method.
Names with a similar history
These names rose and fell in step with Aleck: their share of US boys followed the most similar curve since 1880. If you like Aleck, they share its era and feel.
Questions about the name Aleck
What does Aleck mean?
Aleck is a spelling of Alec, which means “short form of Alexander” (Scottish, Greek origin). Certainty: well established.
How popular is the name Aleck?
Aleck was not among the names given to 5 or more boys in 2025. Its best year was 1886, when it ranked 758th; the most babies were born in 1917 (32). More babies were named Aleck in the 2000s than in any other decade.
Is Aleck a boy or girl name?
In 2021–2025, almost always a boy’s name given the name Aleck in the US.