Allegra is a female given name of Italian origin and Latin roots. It means "happy" or "cheerful," derived from the Italian word allegro, which translates to "lively" or "joyous." The name Allegra has been popular in Italy for centuries, but it gained international recognition thanks to several notable figures who bore this moniker.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Allegra was Allegra Ghirardelli, a member of the prominent Swiss-Italian chocolatier family. Born in 1859, she became known as an accomplished writer and artist, publishing numerous novels, poems, and essays under her own name and various pseudonyms.
Another notable figure with the name Allegra is British-born actress Allegra Rigby. Rigby gained fame for her role in the British television series "Waterloo Road" (2006-2015), playing the character of Michelle Bailey. Her compelling performances showcased her talent as an actor and helped to bring further recognition to the name Allegra.
In literature, Allegra appears as a character in Lord Byron's only complete poem, "Don Juan," published in 1819-1824. In the story, Allegra is the illegitimate daughter of the protagonist Don Juan and his lover Donna Inez. While Byron did not name his own daughter Allegra when she was born in 1817, he wrote a poem titled "Nugae puellae" for his infant daughter, which begins with the lines: "Allegra! thou hast lost a playful sprite."
The name Allegra has also been used by several other notable individuals throughout history, including musicians, artists, and even royalty. Princess Allegra of Liechtenstein is a member of the royal family of Liechtenstein, born in 1980 as the daughter of Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau.
Overall, the name Allegra carries with it a sense of joyfulness and vivacity, reflecting its Italian origins. Throughout history, many remarkable women have borne this moniker, contributing to its enduring popularity and charm as a female given name.
The name Allegra experienced a significant increase in popularity from the early 1970s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1987, peaking in 1988 with 154 births. Since then, its popularity has fluctuated but generally declined, reaching its lowest point recently in 2021 and 2022 with 44 and 47 births respectively. Overall, there have been a total of 4655 recorded births named Allegra from 1902 to 2023.