Like the name Alexander, Alexis derives from the Greek verb: ἀλέξειν, romanized: aléxein, lit. 'defend'.

While the name is traditionally male, it has been predominantly given to females in the United States since at least the 1940s, when actress Alexis Smith began appearing in films.

"[2] The increase in popularity of the name is sometimes attributed to the notable character Alexis Colby from the American television series Dynasty.

A 1978 film, Ice Castles, featured as the main character a blind figure skater named Alexis "Lexie" Winston.

[3] Alessia, an Italian feminine variant, was the second most common name for girls born in Italy in 2006.