Alexa

Alexa is a short form of Alexandra which is the female equivalent to Alexander, from the Greek Alexandros (Αλεξανδρος). Alexander essentially translates to “Defender of Men” from the Greek elements “alexein” (to defend) and “andros” (man) in a relationship or possessive form. All of the “Alexander” names owe their popularity to one man dating back to the 4th century B.C., Alexander the Great. Alexander is still considered by many historians today – nearly 2,400 years later – to be the greatest military leader of all time. This “Great” man spent twelve years expanding his empire east to the Himalayas, defeating the entirety of the Persian Empire, and spreading a new Hellenistic (Greek) culture in the present day Middle East, parts of India and Asia and down to Egypt. Alexander the Great never lost a battle but his life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 33 (some speculate poisoning). We are left to wonder what else he would have accomplished had he forged ahead. His legendary deeds were so renowned in the ancient world that later Roman Emperors strove to emulate him or fashion their own legacies after him. Tales of Alexander the Great’s celebrated triumphant battles continued to be told from the Classical Era up through the Middle Ages and into modern times, keeping his name fresh in the minds of all Westerners. No wonder there are so many variations of this name! The feminized versions of the male name Alexander were not common in the English-speaking world until relatively recently (19th century). They were popularized first in Scandinavia, Russia and Eastern Europe and eventually made their way to Britain. Today, pretty Alexa is most common in the United States and Canada.