<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Other names </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> See also </Th> <Td> Alexander, Alexandra, Alex, Lexi, Alejandro, Alejandra, Lex </Td> </Tr> <P> Alexis is a given name derived from several saints venerated by Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, including Saint Alexis of Rome . Alexis (Greek ἀλέξω or aléxo) means "to help, defend". It was also used as a name for several members of the ruling house of Russia, including Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, Tsarevich (heir apparent) Alexei Nikolaevich, and Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich . </P> <P> The name is internationally male, at the same time in the United States it has been a predominantly girls' name since at least the 1940s, when actress Alexis Smith began appearing in films . It has been among the top 50 most popular names for girls in the United States since 1990 . In the 2008 book 5 - Star Baby Name Advisor, author Bruce Lansky writes that the girls' name has the image of a "sexy and seductive knockout ." The increase in popularity of the name is sometimes attributed to the notable character Alexis Colby from the American television series Dynasty . A 1978 movie, Ice Castles, featured as the main character a blind figure skater named Alexis "Lexie" Winston . </P>

What does the name alexis mean in english