Aleksey – Name Meaning
The name Aleksey 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, Belarus, and other Slavic countries. The name has also been used in the United States since the late 19th century.
History and Origin
The name Aleksey is derived from the Greek name Alexios, which was originally an epithet of the god Apollo. In Greek mythology, Apollo was known as the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. He was also associated with healing and protection. The name Alexios was later adopted by several Byzantine emperors who were believed to be descended from Apollo.
The name Aleksey first appeared in Russia during the 16th century when it was used as a nickname for Alexander I of Russia. It became more popular during the reign of Peter the Great, who encouraged its use among his courtiers. Since then, it has become one of the most popular names in Russia and other Slavic countries.
Popularity
Aleksey is a very popular name in Russia and other Slavic countries. According to data from 2018, it was the 11th most popular male name in Russia that year. It is also quite popular in Ukraine and Belarus, where it ranked 8th and 10th respectively.
In the United States, Aleksey is not as common as it is in Russia and other Slavic countries. According to data from 2018, it ranked 2,945th on the list of most popular baby boy names that year. However, its popularity has been steadily increasing over the past few years.
Famous People Named Aleksey
There are several famous people who have borne this name throughout history:
- Aleksey I of Russia: Also known as Alexander I of Russia, he was Emperor of Russia from 1796 until his death in 1825.
- Aleksey II of Russia: He was Emperor of Russia from 1855 until his death in 1881.
- Aleksey Tolstoy: He was a Russian poet and playwright who wrote some of the most famous works in Russian literature.
- Aleksey Kravchenko: He was a Soviet actor best known for his roles in films such as Come and See (1985) and Little Vera (1988).
- Aleksey Navalny: He is a Russian opposition leader who has been at the forefront of anti-corruption protests in recent years.
