Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Sandy
GirlEnglish, Greek· “short for Alexander or Alexandra”
- Meaning
- short for Alexander or Alexandra
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- SAN-dee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,020
- US babies 2025
- 55
- Best rank
- #126 (1960)
- Peak year
- 1960
Meaning and origin of Sandy
Sandy is an English and Greek name that means “short for Alexander or Alexandra”.
Sandy began as a pet form of Alexander, especially in Scotland, where it has been a familiar nickname for centuries, and later of Alexandra and Sandra. Alexander comes from Greek words meaning 'to defend' and 'man'. Over time Sandy became a name in its own right, and it also evokes the hair color and sunny beaches. For girls it had a strong mid-twentieth-century moment and now has a friendly retro feel. Sandie and Sandi are alternative spellings.
Other spellings with the same sound: Sandi, Sandie.
Popularity over time
Sandy first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 71 different years, starting in 1935. Its best national rank was #126 in 1960, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,647 babies. In 2025, 55 babies were named Sandy, and it ranked #3,020 nationally. That is 49% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,331 in 1920, #344 in 1950, #289 in 1980, #648 in 2000, #1,334 in 2010, and #3,020 in 2025. Of the 69,072 US girls named Sandy since records began, 33% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 12,188 babies. Since 2010, 1,494 more have been named Sandy.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Pam, Belinda, Shari, Patty, and Toni.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sandy ranked highest in Alabama, Florida, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #927 | 5 |
| Florida | #1528 | 9 |
| California | #1928 | 11 |
| Texas | #2593 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 92% of US babies named Sandy over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Sandy is usually pronounced SAN-dee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-dy”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Sandi and Sandie.
Middle names for Sandy
A few middle names that flow with Sandy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sandy
Similar names
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Lists that include Sandy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sandy mean?
Sandy is an English and Greek name that means “short for Alexander or Alexandra”.
What is the origin of the name Sandy?
Sandy has English and Greek roots. Sandy began as a pet form of Alexander, especially in Scotland, where it has been a familiar nickname for centuries, and later of Alexandra and Sandra.
Is Sandy a popular name?
Not especially. Sandy ranked #3,020 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Sandy a boy or girl name?
Sandy is mainly a girl's name. About 92% of US babies named Sandy over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Sandy?
Sandy is usually pronounced SAN-dee. 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