Alexandra is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the word "alexein," which means "to defend" or "to protect." It is also associated with "andra," a Greek word meaning "man," suggesting that Alexandra could be interpreted as "defender of mankind."
The name Alexandra has a rich history and has been popular among royal families throughout Europe. One of the most notable figures bearing this name was Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. Born Princess Alix of Denmark in 1844, she was known for her beauty and charm, as well as her dedication to charitable causes during her time as queen.
In literature, the name Alexandra has been used by several authors, most notably in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre," where it is the given name of the character Jane falls in love with. Additionally, it is the title of a 1936 novel written by Warner Fabian, which tells the story of an American woman named Alexandra who travels to Russia and becomes involved in revolutionary activities.
Today, Alexandra remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet elegant name for their daughters. Its association with strength, courage, and royalty continues to resonate with many families around the world.
Alexandra is a classic name that has been popular for many decades in the United States. According to historical data on baby names, Alexandra first started gaining traction in the early 1900s with around 5 births per year between 1894 and 1911.
However, it wasn't until the late 1930s that Alexandra began to see significant popularity, with over 60 births per year recorded from 1938 onwards. The name reached its peak in popularity during the late 1980s to early 1990s, with over 8,500 births recorded annually between 1987 and 1992.
Since then, the popularity of the name Alexandra has declined steadily but remained relatively stable, with around 1,500 to 3,000 births per year from 2000 to 2022. As of 2022, there have been a total of 242,713 babies named Alexandra born in the United States since records began.
This data reflects the enduring appeal of the name Alexandra over time and demonstrates that it has remained a consistent choice for parents looking for a traditional yet timeless name option.