Rex
Gender: Boy
Meaning: King — royal authority and commanding presence
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Ranked #859 in 2025 with 281 babies born.
History: Rex is the Latin word for king. It was used as a given name in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward. Its bold simplicity gave it a powerful, commanding image. It was particularly fashionable in the early 20th century, associated with actors Rex Harrison and Rex Reed.
Name length: 3 letters
How common is Rex? About 1 in 11,845 babies born in 2025 were named Rex, or roughly 0.8 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Rex
What does the name Rex mean?
Rex means “King — royal authority and commanding presence” from Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Rex?
Rex has Latin origin. The traditional meaning is “King — royal authority and commanding presence”.
How popular is Rex?
Rex ranked #859 in 2025 — given to 281 babies that year.
When was Rex most popular?
Rex peaked in 1951 with 1,503 babies registered that year.
Is Rex a boy or girl name?
Rex is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Rexs in registered births are male.
Is the name Rex rising or falling in popularity?
Rex has fallen 176 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #683 in 2020 to #859 in 2025.
How long has Rex been recorded?
Rex appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.