Surname Alejo - Meaning and Origin
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Alejo: What does the surname Alejo mean?
The last name Alejo is a Spanish-derived surname, derived from the given name Alejo, which is a form of the name Alexander. The name Alexander is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, and is derived from the Greek words “alexo” (to defend) and “aner” (man). Therefore, the name Alejo literally means “defender of man”.
The name first appeared in the Spanish region of Castile in the 12th century, during the Reconquista. Over the course of many centuries, the name has spread across the Iberian Peninsula, as well as into other parts of the world. Today, the last name Alejo can be found in countries including Spain, Portugal, United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
Though this last name is an ancient one, people who carry the name are well known for being quite modern and progressive thinkers. This could be due to the fact that the name has a direct connection to its roots, meaning “defender of man”, and possibly symbolises a protective and caring spirit. This could explain why Alejo families have historically been known for their loyalty, sense of justice, and strong values.
Order DNA origin analysisAlejo: Where does the name Alejo come from?
The last name Alejo is common throughout Latin America, particularly in countries such as Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and Peru. It is also found in parts of the United States, especially in states with large Hispanic populations. According to the 2020 census, Alejo is the 90th most common Hispanic surname in the United States.
The origin of the surname Alejo lies in Spain, where it was first used to refer to a nickname for Alexander. It derives from the Hispanic name Alejandro which is derived from the Greek name Αλέξανδρος (Alexandros). In Spanish, Alejandro became "Alejo".
In the Middle Ages, this name was common among Spanish royalty and in its anglicized form of Alexio, it gained popularity in the United States among the Hispanic-American population. Today, the popularity of the surname has spread around the world.
In the United States, the surname Alejo is most common in Florida, New Mexico, and New Jersey, where it is within the top 200 surnames. It is also prominent in parts of Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, and Spain.
The numbers show that the surname Alejo is here to stay, and that it is likely to continue to spread, with higher levels of migration from Latin America. Its original Spanish roots are still very strong, while its anglicized form has made the name popular among English-speaking countries in the Americas as well.
Variations of the surname Alejo
Alejo is a common Spanish surname derived from the given name Alejo, which is a variation of Alexander. Alejo is a popular name throughout South America and is used in Spain, the Philippines, and the United States. Variations of Alejo include the following spellings and surnames:
- Alehjo
- Alehio
- Alijo
- Alajo
- Alahjo
- Alexo
- Alixo
- Ajelo
- Ahjelo
- Allejo
- Allejio
- Aleixo
- Allehio
- Ahlehio
- Allixo
- Allajo
- Ellajo
- Ellahjo
- Ellahio
- Elexo
- Elixo
- Elajo
- Ejelo
- Ehjelo
Alejo is a Castilian variant of the Italian name Alessio and Greek name Alexios. Alternate surnames with the same origin as Alejo include Alessio, Alexios, Alexander, Alexius, Alessa, Alejandro, Alessandro, Alexi, and Alessandra. Additionally, Alix, Alexis, and Alexey are popular variations of Alejo.
Alejo is a patronymic surname, meaning it is usually based on the father or mother's given name. Thus, it is possible for the same family to have different variations of Alejo as their surname, depending on which parent's given name was the basis for the surname.
Famous people with the name Alejo
- Alejandro Alejo: Mexican actor, singer, and guitarist.
- Eliu Almonte Alejo: Dominican-born American baseball player.
- José Alejo Pazmiño: Ecuadorian former football player.
- Nelson Alejo: Cuban-born American professional wrestler.
- Bárbara Alejo: Argentine film and theatre actress.
- Ariel Alejo: Colombian singer and songwriter.
- Miroslava Alejo: Mexican former football player.
- Ulises Alejo: Mexican professional boxer.
- Anthony Alejo: Filipino former basketball player.
- Salomón Alejo: Venezuelan film director.
- Gilberto Alejo: Cuban former long-distance runner.
- David Alejo: Spanish singer-songwriter and record producer.
- Darío Alejo: Argentine former football goalkeeper.
- Francisco Alejo: Mexican former football player.
- Víctor Alejo: Venezuelan former football player.
- Coco Alejo: Cuban-born rapper and music producer.
- Rubén Alejo: Argentine film and television actor.
- Miguel Alejo: Mexican television presenter, director, and producer.
- Roldano Alejo: Venezuelan former football player.
- Andrés Alejo Castro: Mexican professional footballer.