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.
The name Alexandra experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a substantial increase from the late 1980s onwards. Between 1894 and 1980, it maintained a relatively consistent level of usage, with fewer than 50 births per year on average. However, starting in 1981, there was a notable surge in its popularity, reaching over 2,800 births in 1984. This trend continued until the mid-1990s, peaking at nearly 11,000 births in 1993.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Alexandra began to decline steadily, dropping below 5,000 births per year by the late 1990s. This downward trend has continued into the 21st century, with fewer than 2,000 births per year since 2008. The most recent data shows that there were only 1,467 births in 2023, marking a significant decrease from its peak popularity three decades ago.
In total, over the course of 129 years, the name Alexandra has been given to 242,713 newborn girls in the United States.