Rex is a regal name that literally means “king.” It comes from the Latin word spelled the same. This refined title continues to be a top 700 name in America at rank 681.
Meaning of the name Rex:
Latin: king
Origin of the name Rex:
Rex became a popular name among boys in the 1800s. It came from the Latin word “rex,” spelled the same. This regal name continues to grow in popularity too, especially since celebrities like Will Champion and Natascha McElhone use it for their sons.
Symbolism of the name Rex:
The baby name Rex means “king” because of the Latin word “rex.” “Rex” as a word translates directly to “king” in English, giving the title its regality.

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Style of the name Rex:
Traditional
Gender of the name Rex:
Rex is a strong name for boys.
Pronunciation of the name Rex:
REHKS
Number of syllables in the name Rex:
One
Emotion evoked from the name Rex:
Rex is a powerful and regal name. It is simple yet upper class.
Alternative spellings for the name Rex:
- Recks
- Reks
- Rexx
Nicknames for the name Rex:
- King
- T Rex
- Rexie
- Rexi
- Rexy
- Ree
Popularity of the name Rex:
Rex has a consistent placement on the top 1,000 list of the Social Security Popularity Index. As of 2020, it is a top 700 option, ranking at number 681. Rex did best so far in 1951 at the rank 170.
Related names for the name Rex:
Great middle names for Rex and their meanings:
- Theodore (God's gift)
- Magnus (great, greatest)
- Vincent (to conquer)
- Callahan (descendent of Ceallachan, little bright-headed one, devotee of the church)
- Elias (the Lord is my God)
- Montgomery (from the hill of a powerful man)
- Adrian (son of Adria)
- Dominic (belonging to God)
Famous people with the name Rex:
- Rex Burkhead (NFL player)
- Rex Grossman (NFL player)
- Rex Hadnot (NFL player)
- Rex Murphy (newscaster)
- Rex Goudie (singer)
- Rex Ryan (NFL coach)
- Rex Linn (actor, “CSI: Miami”)
- Rex Robbins (actor, “1776”)
- Rex Lee (actor, “Entourage”)
- Rex Allen (actor, “Frontier Doctor”)
Rexs in popular culture:
- Rex Lewis (character from “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”)
- Rex (character from “Toy Story”)
- Rex (character from “Inspector Rex”)