How to say it
a · les · SAN · dra
ˌæl.əˈsɑːn.drə
Feminine
Alessandra
Defender of men
What it means
The Italian feminine of Alessandro (Alexander), from the Greek alexein ('to defend') plus andros ('man').
Alessandra is the Italian feminine of Alessandro, the Italian Alexander, from alexein, 'to defend,' and andros, 'man.' It carries the same protective strength as Alexandra, with extra Italian lilt. Model Alessandra Ambrosio is a well-known bearer. It is a cousin of Alessia and Alexandra and shortens to Ale, Sandra, or Sandy. Said al-eh-SAHN-dra.
How to spell Alessandra
The standard spelling is Alessandra. Common variants include Alexandra, Aleksandra, Alessandara, but Alessandra is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #276 in 2015, currently #443 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Ale, Sandra, and Sandy all come from it.
- Spelling
The Italian Alexandra; cousin of Alessia, all from 'to defend.'
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Alessandra Ambrosio Brazilian supermodel
Spelling variants
- Alexandra
- Aleksandra
- Alessandara
Names with the same feeling
See Alessandra from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Alessandra mean?
- The Italian feminine of Alessandro (Alexander), from the Greek alexein ('to defend') plus andros ('man').
- What does Alessandra mean in Italian?
- In Italian, Alessandra means "Defender of men." Alessandra is the Italian feminine of Alessandro, the Italian Alexander, from alexein, 'to defend,' and andros, 'man.' It carries the same protective strength as Alexandra, with extra Italian lilt. Model Alessandra Ambrosio is a well-known bearer. It is a cousin of Alessia and Alexandra and shortens to Ale, Sandra, or Sandy. Said al-eh-SAHN-dra.
- How do you pronounce Alessandra?
- Alessandra is pronounced ˌæl.əˈsɑːn.drə. Say it as a-les-SAN-dra, with the stress on the "san" syllable.
- How do you spell Alessandra?
- The standard spelling is Alessandra. Common spelling variants include Alexandra, Aleksandra, Alessandara.
- Is Alessandra a boy or girl name?
- Alessandra is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Alessandra?
- Alessandra ranked #443 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.