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Sasha

♀ Girl

Pronounced SAH-shah /ˈsɑː.ʃə/High

Meaning: Russian and Slavic diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra, from Greek Alexandros composed of alexein meaning to defend and aner/andros meaning man; meaning defender of men or protector of the peopleHigh

In 30 seconds: A warm Russian diminutive of Alexander/Alexandra meaning defender of men, Sasha is an internationally beloved name that has been used for both boys and girls across Slavic cultures and beyond.
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Origin HighRussian, Greek
MeaningRussian and Slavic diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra, from Greek Alexandros composed of alexein meaning to defend and aner/andros meaning man; meaning defender of men or protector of the people
U.S. rank (2025)#684 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births414 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1988
Total births (all-time)≈ 38,485

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198819562025

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

History & Origin

Sasha is the Russian diminutive of Alexander (for males) and Alexandra (for females), from Greek Alexandros, composed of alexein (to defend) and aner/andros (man), meaning defender of men. Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE) spread the name across the known world. The diminutive Sasha is widely used across Russia and Eastern Europe.

In the Western world, Sasha was predominantly seen as a male name until the latter 20th century, when it transitioned to female use in the United States. Sasha Obama, daughter of President Barack Obama (born Natasha Marian Obama), brought it significant visibility as a girls' name. Today in the United States Sasha is used predominantly for girls but remains genuinely unisex globally.

Did you know? In Russia, Sasha is used as an affectionate nickname for both men (Alexander) and women (Alexandra) equally — one of the rare diminutives that functions in an entirely gender-neutral way in its culture of origin.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Sasha — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SachaSascha

Nicknames

Sash

Famous Bearers

  • ★Sasha Obama (2001–present)
    Younger daughter of U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

If you like Sasha…

Natasha— shares the Russian origin and the same warm Slavic diminutive character
Katya— fellow Russian diminutive (of Katherine) with the same breezy, warm Slavic quality
Masha— shares the Russian diminutive pattern and the same short, warm Slavic charm
Talia— shares the same two-syllable soft ending and the same international feminine appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sasha mean?

Sasha is a Russian diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra, meaning defender of men or protector of the people, from Greek alexein (to defend) and andros (man).

How do you pronounce Sasha?

It is said SAH-shah /ˈsɑː.ʃə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Sasha a boy or girl name?

In Russia and Eastern Europe, Sasha is used equally for boys and girls. In the United States it is now predominantly used for girls.

Is Sasha short for Alexandra?

Yes — Sasha is a Russian diminutive of Alexandra (for women) and Alexander (for men).