Home › Baby Names Directory › Alexandra

Alexandra

♀ Girl

Pronounced al-ex-AN-druh /ˌæl.ɪɡˈzæn.drə/High

Meaning: Defender of the people; feminine form of Alexander, from Greek alexein + androsHigh

In 30 seconds: The stately feminine form of Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people.' A name borne by royals and empresses for centuries, it offers glamour, strength, and a rich array of nicknames.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighGreek
MeaningDefender of the people; feminine form of Alexander, from Greek alexein + andros
Peak year1993
Total births (all-time)≈ 231,364

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199318942017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Alexandra is the feminine form of Alexander, from the Greek Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros), composed of alexein ('to defend') and aner/andros ('man, people'). The name was popularized by the ancient Greek world following Alexander the Great's conquests and has been a European aristocratic staple for over two millennia. Several Byzantine empresses bore the name.

Alexandra has been popular in royal families across Europe — from Russia's Empress Alexandra Feodorovna to Denmark's Queen Alexandra. In the United States it has ranked consistently in the top 100 girls' names since the 1980s. Its long form invites a variety of nicknames, making it both formal and flexible.

Did you know? Queen Alexandra of Denmark (1844–1925), wife of King Edward VII of Britain, made the name fashionable across Europe; it has been popular in British royal circles ever since.

Variations

AleksandraAlessandraAlejandraSandra

Nicknames

AlexAlexaSashaLexieSandra

Famous Bearers

  • ★Alexandra Feodorovna (1872–1918)
    Last Empress of Russia, wife of Tsar Nicholas II.
  • ★Alexandra Daddario (b. 1986)
    American actress known for <em>True Detective</em> and <em>San Andreas</em>.

If you like Alexandra…

Victoria— similarly grand royal classical name with many nicknames
Elizabeth— long, multi-nickname royal classic of comparable stature
Sophia— elegant Greek-origin classic at home in royal families

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alexandra mean?

Alexandra means 'defender of the people,' as the feminine form of Alexander from Greek alexein (defend) and andros (people).

How do you pronounce Alexandra?

Alexandra is pronounced al-ex-AN-druh (/ˌæl.ɪɡˈzæn.drə/) — four syllables with stress on the third.

Is Alexandra a boy or girl name?

Alexandra is the feminine form; Alexander is the masculine form.

How popular is Alexandra?

Alexandra has been a top-100 U.S. girls' name since the 1980s and remains consistently popular worldwide.