Aleksey

Aleksey is a masculine given name common in Russia and other Slavic countries. It is a transliteration of the Russian Алексей and ultimately derives from the Greek name Alexios, which is often interpreted as “defender” or “protector.” The name has several spellings in different languages and transliteration systems, including Aleksei, Alexei, and Alexey. Diminutives in Russian such as Lyosha, Alyosha, and Lesha are commonly used in informal speech.

Related forms appear in several Slavic languages: in Ukrainian the form Oleksiy; in Polish Aleksy; and in other languages such as Bulgarian and Serbian/Croatian as variants like Aleksij or Aleksiy.

Aleksey has deep historical roots in the Russian and broader Orthodox world, tied to early Christian saints named Alexius, including Saint Alexius of Rome, whose veneration helped popularize the name. The form has long been borne by church figures, scholars, and statesmen, contributing to its enduring popularity.

In modern usage, Aleksey remains a common given name in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, and is widely found among Russian-speaking communities abroad. Its multiple spellings reflect differing transliteration systems from Cyrillic to Latin scripts, as well as regional pronunciation. The name continues to be chosen for its traditional associations and concise, recognizable sound.