Origin of the Name Rex
The given name Rex has been around since the early middle ages when King Henry II (HENRICUS REX,HENRI REX) ruled. Rex was originally used as surname until the 17th century.
Usually, Rex was a variation of Recks or Rics. In the 1600s until 1745, the Kempton family of London used Rex as a first name. Mostly, Rex was used as a middle name. It was based on someone in the family with the surname Rex, like a mother’s maiden name for example.
There were also people who wanted to name their son Rex after kings such as George-Rex Warren and Edwardus Rex Hussy. Rex is sometimes short for Reginald, as in Reginald “Rex” Harrison, an actor best known for his roles in My Fair Lady and Dr. Doolittle.
Meaning of Rex
Rex is Latin for King. It means to lead or guide. Rex also means dweller from the rushes.
Popularity of Rex
Rex was most popular during the 1930s, 2506 births. In 2016, Rex was the 173th most popular name in the United Kingdom with 328 babies being given the name in England and Wales.
Famous People Called Rex
Here’s a list of a few famous people called Rex:
- Rex Tillerson – a politician and business man who served as the United States Secretary of State under Trump.
- Rex Ryan – a former American football coach.
- Rex Harrison was an English actor and flight lieutenant in the RAF.
Useful Resources
- Discover the meaning and origin of other English names like Rex on our website.