The name Alex has its origins in the ancient Greek language, where it was derived from the name Alexandros. This name dates back to the 4th century BC and is believed to have been formed from the Greek components "alexo" meaning "to defend" and "andros" meaning "man." Therefore, the name Alex essentially means "defender of men."

One of the most famous historical figures to bear the name Alex is Alexander the Great, the legendary Macedonian king and military commander who lived from 356 to 323 BC. He conquered much of the known world at the time, establishing one of the largest empires in antiquity.

The name Alex also appears in various religious texts and scriptures. In the Bible, for instance, there is a mention of a man named Alexander the Coppersmith, who is described as an opponent of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament book of 2 Timothy.

During the Middle Ages, the name Alex became popular across Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Greek culture and language. One notable bearer of the name from this period was Alex of Linden, a 13th-century German mystic and Dominican friar known for his writings on spiritual matters.

In more recent history, the name Alex has been borne by several prominent figures. One example is Alex Haley, the American writer and author of the influential novel "Roots," which explored his African ancestry. He lived from 1921 to 1992.

Another famous Alex is Alex Trebek, the Canadian-American television personality and longtime host of the popular game show "Jeopardy!" He was born in 1940 and hosted the show from 1984 until his death in 2020.

Other notable individuals named Alex throughout history include Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland (born 1954), Alex Ferguson, the legendary Scottish football manager (born 1941), and Alex Haley, the American writer and author of the novel "Roots" (1921-1992).