Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Allegra
GirlItalian· “cheerful, lively”
- Meaning
- cheerful, lively
- Origin
- Italian
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEG-ruh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #3,979
- US babies 2025
- 36
- Best rank
- #1,045 (1988)
- Peak year
- 1988
Meaning and origin of Allegra
Allegra is an Italian name that means “cheerful, lively”.
Allegra is an Italian word meaning cheerful or lively, from the same Latin source as allegro, the musical term for a quick, bright tempo. As a given name it gained attention in English through the poet Lord Byron, who gave it to his daughter Allegra in the early nineteenth century. It was later taken up in English-speaking countries as an elegant, artistic choice. It is said uh-LEG-ruh. Allegra has a sophisticated, musical feel, and its meaning adds a sense of joy. Allie is the natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Allegra first appears in US Social Security records in 1902. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,045 in 1988, the same year it reached its highest count of 154 babies. In 2025, 36 babies were named Allegra, and it ranked #3,979 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,668 in 1920, #2,655 in 1950, #1,904 in 1980, #2,239 in 2000, #1,769 in 2010, and #3,979 in 2025. Of the 4,732 US girls named Allegra since records began, 25% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 686 babies. Since 2010, 968 more have been named Allegra.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Latara, Kindra, Andreina, Cassaundra, and Britnee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Allegra ranked highest in New York, Florida, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1665 | 7 |
| Florida | #1698 | 7 |
| California | #3128 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Allegra is usually pronounced uh-LEG-ruh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Allegra
A few middle names that flow with Allegra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Allegra
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Lists that include Allegra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Allegra mean?
Allegra is an Italian name that means “cheerful, lively”.
What is the origin of the name Allegra?
Allegra has Italian roots. Allegra is an Italian word meaning cheerful or lively, from the same Latin source as allegro, the musical term for a quick, bright tempo.
Is Allegra a popular name?
Not especially. Allegra ranked #3,979 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Allegra a boy or girl name?
Allegra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Allegra?
Allegra is usually pronounced uh-LEG-ruh. 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