Aleksei – Name Meaning
The name Aleksei is of Russian origin and is derived from the Greek name Alexios, which means “defender” or “helper.” It is a popular name in Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries. The name has been used in literature and film, most notably in the novel War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.
History and Origin
The name Aleksei is derived from the Greek name Alexios, which was originally an epithet of the god Apollo. It was also used as a title for Byzantine emperors. The name was popularized in Russia during the reign of Tsar Alexander I (1777-1825). It has since become a popular name throughout Eastern Europe.
Popularity
Aleksei is a popular name in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2020 it was the 39th most popular male baby name in Russia. It is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world such as the United States.
Famous People Named Aleksei
There are many famous people with the name Aleksei including:
- Aleksei Navalny – Russian opposition leader
- Aleksei Yagudin – Russian figure skater
- Aleksei Kovalev – Russian ice hockey player
- Aleksei Kravchenko – Soviet actor
- Aleksei Leonov – Soviet cosmonaut
Variations of the Name
The variations of the name Aleksei include: Alexei, Alexis, Alexey, Alyosha.