Alyx
Primarily a girl's name of Greek origin with 1,287 recorded births. Also given to 177 boys.
Meaning & Origin
At 4 letters and two syllables, Alyx is short enough to fit easily on forms, monograms, and classroom labels — no abbreviation needed. It has been used as a girl's name in the U.S. since 1978, with 1,287 total recorded births.
Currently ranked #7586, Alyx is familiar enough that people will recognize it but not so common that your child shares it with three classmates.
In the most recent SSA release, Alyx ranks #7586 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Alyx is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, a variant spelling of Alix or Alex, from Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros, composed of alexein (to defend) and aner (man), meaning 'defender of people' — the distinctive x-ending spelling that gives the classic name a futuristic edge.
With over 1,287 recorded births, Alyx is used as a feminine given name with a sleek, unconventional written character. The -x ending is borrowed from the Half-Life video game character Alyx Vance, one of gaming's most celebrated female characters — brave, resourceful, and crucial to the game's story. Alexander McQueen's luxury fashion label uses the spelling ALYX, adding high-fashion credibility. The name carries both classical defender-of-people heritage and contemporary edge.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Alyx's final sounds are sharp, distinct — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. In English-language naming, many feminine names end on open vowels or soft consonants, creating a melodic, approachable quality. Alyx breaks from that pattern, giving it a more distinctive edge.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Alyx's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Alyx was #4829 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #7586, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 98 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 252 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 303 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 496 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 131 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 7 | — |
The Story of Alyx
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1993, Alyx is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Alyx are most likely born between 1983 and 2003.
How rare is Alyx?
Only about 1 in every 257,143 babies born in 2024 was named Alyx — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1978, peaked in the 1990s with 496 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Alyx by the numbers
- Would fill 27 school buses
- Meeting one Alyx per day would take 3.5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(45 years, 1978–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | #7586 |
| 2023 | 14 | #7659 |
| 2022 | 17 | #6725 |
| 2021 | 22 | #5583 |
| 2020 | 31 | #4360 |
| 2019 | 24 | #5315 |
| 2018 | 28 | #4777 |
| 2017 | 21 | #5835 |
| 2016 | 23 | #5632 |
| 2015 | 28 | #4862 |
| 2014 | 22 | #5809 |
| 2013 | 23 | #5656 |
| 2012 | 25 | #5404 |
| 2011 | 30 | #4687 |
| 2010 | 28 | #4985 |
| 2009 | 36 | #4200 |
| 2008 | 30 | #4895 |
| 2007 | 31 | #4687 |
| 2006 | 37 | #3997 |
| 2005 | 25 | #5117 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Alyx as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Alyx has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 177 births since 1989.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alyx a boy's or girl's name?
When was Alyx most popular?
How popular is the name Alyx?
Can Alyx be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1978–2024