Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rex has Latin origins, meaning 'king'. It evolved through historical forms in Latin and Old French before being adopted into English. The name conveys traits of leadership and authority. It does not have specific biblical relevance. Rex has seen a resurgence in popularity due to its strong connotations and association with notable figures.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/rɛks/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Rex is derived from the Latin word 'rex', meaning 'king'. It has been used historically as a title for monarchs and rulers.
Meaning
king
Language Evolution
Rex (Latin), Rex (Old French), Rex (English)
Historical Usage
The name Rex began to gain popularity in the English-speaking world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with royal connotations.
Variants & Derivatives
Rexford, Rexx, Rexie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Rex is perceived as a strong and regal name, often associated with leadership and authority. It is relatively uncommon but has a classic appeal.
Famous People
Rex Harrison, a noted English actor., Rex Tillerson, a former United States Secretary of State.
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,505 peak births in 1952
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 240th of 7545 | 8,307 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 224th of 6773 | 10,259 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 211th of 7552 | 22,524 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 390th of 10718 | 6,738 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 661st of 16616 | 3,534 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 823rd of 24088 | 3,591 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 674th of 23106 | 4,660 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6167th of 9107 | 27 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6133rd of 9204 | 29 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6271st of 12526 | 67 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 15428th of 19264 | 12 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 25632nd of 27321 | 6 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
12.29% 174th/1416 |
39.23% 541st/1379 |
11.03% 261st/2366 |
13.05% 149th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
11.19% 173rd/1546 |
35.60% 554th/1556 |
10.41% 245th/2353 |
11.96% 185th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
7.23% 161st/2227 |
14.98% 364th/2430 |
7.92% 226th/2853 |
6.74% 187th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
10.21% 300th/2937 |
18.92% 659th/3483 |
11.00% 387th/3518 |
9.42% 381st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.90% 586th/3685 |
27.06% 1211th/4475 |
12.50% 649th/5194 |
9.62% 608th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
17.07% 782nd/4582 |
21.22% 1096th/5164 |
12.98% 949th/7313 |
9.45% 705th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.76% 628th/3984 |
17.87% 802nd/4487 |
10.86% 741st/6822 |
8.78% 551st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 240th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 224th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 211th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 390th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 661st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 823rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 674th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6167th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6133rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6271st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 15428th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 25632nd out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.