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Alex vs Derek

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alex

Boy #205 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"defender of men"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

English Greek Spanish Russian French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#205
Total SSA Count
1,722
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American Dutch German

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#258
Total SSA Count
1,355
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Alex Rank #205
Derek Rank #258

Alex is more popular, ranked #205 vs #258 for Derek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alex or Derek more popular?

Alex is more popular, ranked #205 compared to Derek at #258 in the United States.

What do Alex and Derek mean?

Alex means "defender of men" (Greek origin). Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin).

Are Alex and Derek boy or girl names?

Alex is primarily a boy name. Derek is primarily a boy name.

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