Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Alessandra
GirlItalian, Greek· “defender of the people”
- Meaning
- defender of the people
- Origin
- Italian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- ah-leh-SAHN-druh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #443
- US babies 2025
- 697
- Best rank
- #276 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Alessandra
Alessandra is an Italian and Greek name that means “defender of the people”.
Alessandra is the Italian form of Alexandra, the feminine of Alexander. The name comes from the Greek alexein, to defend, and aner, man, so it is usually translated as defender of men or of the people. Alexander the Great made the masculine form famous throughout the ancient world, and the feminine versions spread across Europe in later centuries. Alessandra is common in Italy and Brazil and has a polished, musical sound in English. It offers many nicknames, including Alessa, Sandra, Sandy, Allie and Lexi, so it adapts well from childhood through adulthood.
Popularity over time
Alessandra first appears in US Social Security records in 1943. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 39 different years, starting in 1987. Its best national rank was #276 in 2015, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,141 babies. In 2025, 697 babies were named Alessandra, and it ranked #443 nationally. That is 39% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,744 in 1950, #2,281 in 1980, #672 in 2000, #386 in 2010, and #443 in 2025. Of the 24,836 US girls named Alessandra since records began, 40% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,989 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Elsa, Adelynn, Paislee, Ariah, and Amiyah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alessandra ranked highest in New Mexico, California, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #143 | 10 |
| California | #214 | 154 |
| Arizona | #233 | 29 |
| Texas | #237 | 149 |
| New Jersey | #276 | 30 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alessandra is usually pronounced ah-leh-SAHN-druh, with four syllables. It has ten letters, starts with A and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Alessandra
A few middle names that flow with Alessandra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alessandra
Similar names
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al-ig-ZAN-druh
“defender of men” · Greek
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thee-uh-DAWR-uh
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iz-uh-DOR-uh
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ar-ee-AH-nuh
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ar-ee-AH-nuh
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an-juh-LEE-nuh
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ih-VAN-juh-leen
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an-tuh-NEH-luh
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kuh-LY-uh-pee
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Lists that include Alessandra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alessandra mean?
Alessandra is an Italian and Greek name that means “defender of the people”.
What is the origin of the name Alessandra?
Alessandra has Italian and Greek roots. Alessandra is the Italian form of Alexandra, the feminine of Alexander.
Is Alessandra a popular name?
Yes. Alessandra ranked #443 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alessandra a boy or girl name?
Alessandra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alessandra?
Alessandra is usually pronounced ah-leh-SAHN-druh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings