Sandy

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAN-dee /ˈsæn.di/High

Meaning: A short form of Alexander (and the feminine Sandra) — from the Greek, 'a defender/protector of the people' (alexein, 'to defend', + andros, 'man'); used for both sexes; here for boysLow

In 30 seconds: A defender of the people: Sandy shortens Alexander. Crisp, friendly, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningA short form of Alexander (and the feminine Sandra) — from the Greek, 'a defender/protector of the people' (alexein, 'to defend', + andros, 'man'); used for both sexes; here for boys

U.S. rank (2024)#8186 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births10 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1954

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,445

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Sandy is a short form of Alexander (and the feminine Sandra) — from the Greek, 'a defender/protector of the people' (alexein, 'to defend', + andros, 'man'). Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished; said 'SAN-dee'; common in Scotland for boys).

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare, a-defender-of-the-people at the root, and friendly.

Did you know? Alexander means 'a defender/protector of the people' (alexein, 'to defend', + andros, 'man') — Sandy is a friendly short form, used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'SAN-dee').

Overall data confidence 36%

References — Sandy — unisex; short form of Alexander

Variations

SandieSanderAlexander

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sandy…

Alexander— the source name

Sander— a kin Alexander short form

Sandro— a fellow Alexander short form

Alex— a companion Alexander short form

Explore names like Sandy

By themeuncertain greek unisex nickname-name

By meaningProtector

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sandy mean?

Sandy shortens Alexander (and Sandra) — Greek 'a defender/protector of the people'; used for both sexes; here for a boy.

How do you pronounce Sandy?

It's said SAN-dee /ˈsæn.di/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sandy a boy or girl name?

Sandy is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Sandy?

Sandy is a rare name in the U.S.