How to say it
a · LES · si · a
əˈlɛs.i.ə
Feminine
Alessia
Defender
What it means
The Italian feminine of Alessio (Alexis), from the Greek alexein, 'to defend.'
Alessia is the Italian feminine of Alessio, the Italian Alexis, from the Greek alexein, 'to defend or protect,' the same root as Alexander. It is hugely popular in Italy and rising in English use, carried by the Canadian singer Alessia Cara. It flows softly, said ah-LESS-ee-ah, and shortens to Ale or Lessi. A cousin of Alexis and Alexandra.
How to spell Alessia
The standard spelling is Alessia. Common variants include Alessya, Alexia, Alessa, but Alessia is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #282 in 2024, currently #326 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
- Spelling
The Italian feminine of Alexis; cousin of Alexandra, all from 'to defend.'
- Pronunciation
ah-LESS-ee-ah.
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.
- Alessia Cara Canadian singer-songwriter
Spelling variants
- Alessya
- Alexia
- Alessa
Names with the same feeling
See Alessia from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Alessia mean?
- The Italian feminine of Alessio (Alexis), from the Greek alexein, 'to defend.'
- What does Alessia mean in Italian?
- In Italian, Alessia means "Defender." Alessia is the Italian feminine of Alessio, the Italian Alexis, from the Greek alexein, 'to defend or protect,' the same root as Alexander. It is hugely popular in Italy and rising in English use, carried by the Canadian singer Alessia Cara. It flows softly, said ah-LESS-ee-ah, and shortens to Ale or Lessi. A cousin of Alexis and Alexandra.
- How do you pronounce Alessia?
- Alessia is pronounced əˈlɛs.i.ə. Say it as a-LES-si-a, with the stress on the "les" syllable.
- How do you spell Alessia?
- The standard spelling is Alessia. Common spelling variants include Alessya, Alexia, Alessa.
- Is Alessia a boy or girl name?
- Alessia is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Alessia?
- Alessia ranked #326 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.