Meaning: Its source is Alexandros, a Greek name meaning "Protector of men."

Languages: This girl's name is used in Italian and Spanish.

Nicknames: Alessa and Alessia

Popularity: The name Alessandra ranked 635th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 3588th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Narrative: This was originally a by-name of the Greek goddess Hera.

It was popularized as a personal name by the ancient Macedonian leader Alexander the Great. In the course of conquering much of the known world, from Egypt to India, Alexander also gave his name to numerous cities.