Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Sasha
GirlRussian, Greek· “defender of the people”
- Meaning
- defender of the people
- Origin
- Russian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- SAH-shuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #684
- US babies 2025
- 414
- Best rank
- #147 (1988)
- Peak year
- 1988
Meaning and origin of Sasha
Sasha is a Russian and Greek name that means “defender of the people”.
Sasha is the Russian pet form of Aleksandr and Aleksandra, from the Greek Alexandros, meaning defender of the people. In Russian and other Slavic languages it is used for both boys and girls. In English-speaking countries Sasha is chosen mostly for girls and is often given as an independent name. It has a brisk, international sound and a friendly character that suits both playful childhood and adult life. Sascha is the usual German spelling, and Sacha is common in French.
Popularity over time
Sasha first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 54 different years, starting in 1972. Its best national rank was #147 in 1988, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,886 babies. In 2025, 414 babies were named Sasha, and it ranked #684 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #371 in 1980, #476 in 2000, #341 in 2010, and #684 in 2025. Of the 38,492 US girls named Sasha since records began, 25% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 8,648 babies. Since 2010, 9,368 more have been named Sasha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Yesenia, Justine, Mayra, Alisha, and Ashlee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sasha ranked highest in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #386 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #466 | 17 |
| Florida | #479 | 39 |
| Pennsylvania | #482 | 22 |
| California | #528 | 63 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Sasha over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Sasha is usually pronounced SAH-shuh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Sasha
A few middle names that flow with Sasha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sasha
Similar names
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Lists that include Sasha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sasha mean?
Sasha is a Russian and Greek name that means “defender of the people”.
What is the origin of the name Sasha?
Sasha has Russian and Greek roots. Sasha is the Russian pet form of Aleksandr and Aleksandra, from the Greek Alexandros, meaning defender of the people.
Is Sasha a popular name?
Yes. Sasha ranked #684 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Sasha a boy or girl name?
Sasha is mainly a girl's name. About 95% of US babies named Sasha over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Sasha?
Sasha is usually pronounced SAH-shuh. 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