I chose the name Lex. It was a name I had actually been called before. I was the only freshman on the soccer team and the seniors took me under their wing. They would call me Lex during the games for quick and easy communication. But it meant a lot more to me than they knew. It made me feel truly appreciated and valued. It was something sacred, something only they called me in the safe space of the soccer field, something that the bullies couldn’t take from me. Introducing myself as Lex in college was my revision, like an editor delicately revamping a story.

Most people ask me why I go by Lex instead of Lexi, and for that I have two reasons. First, my mom hates the nickname “Lexi.” To be quite frank, my mom hates all nicknames because she is so in love with the name she gave me, but she despises “Lexi” the most. My mom thinks “Alexis” is such a beautiful name – I agree, but it doesn’t sit well with me – so I knew she would be sad about me using a different name, and that’s why I avoided “Lexi.”  Second, “Lexi” feels too ditzy and tame for my personality. I am a Leo. I have a bold and fiery demeanor. So naturally, I wanted a name that felt strong, independent, and unconventional; something that gives “Jade from Victorious.” She is an icon, she stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t let anybody step on her toes. It’s my power statement. This is me taking control of the narrative, the narrative that describes who I am, my narrative.

The name Lex is a rather unique name, which is exactly what I was going for. In 2006, the year I was born, the name Lex was ranked 3,118 in the United States. In 2023, it was ranked 4,362 (“Lex”). Additionally, the definition of my name suits me very well. Lex is derived from the Greek names “Alexander,” meaning “defender of mankind,” and “Alexius,” meaning “protect” (Baby Names). The vast majority of the people who know me would say I make it my priority to make sure that people never feel left out. If someone has no one in their corner, I’ll be in their corner. 

Ultimately, changing my name was something I needed. It stripped me of an undesirable history like a writer deleting excessive sentences. My name is my description. I will never let someone feel unloved. I will protect those who need protection. I love my name and I am happy I am finally able to share the story behind it.

Works Cited

Baby Names Content Team. “Lex - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity.” The Bump, XO Group Inc., 31 Jan. 2025, thebump.com/b/lex-baby-name. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025

“Lex” BabyCenter, BabyCenter, LLC, 2025, babycenter.com/baby-names/details/lex-2814#lex-name-meaning-and-origin. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025

Stewart, George. Lex with Flowers. 21 May. 2024. Author's personal collection.