Alexandra

Alexandra is primarily the English feminine form of the Greek Alexandros (although Alexandra is used among Germans, Hungarians, Scandinavians, Slavs, Spanish and many other ethnicities). In other words, Alexandra is a pretty Cosmopolitan Cool name. Hebrew names from the Old Testament and ancient Greek mythological names aside, Alexandra has one of the oldest and longest lasting origins in western tradition. All of the boy Alexanders and all of the girl Alexandras (along with their many name variations which have developed over time) owe the endurance of their name to one single person: Alexander the Great. In the 4th century B.C. Alexander the Great was the renowned King of Macedon (an ancient Greek kingdom). Alexander is still considered by many historians today – nearly 2,400 years later – to be the greatest military leader of all time. Alexander 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. Appropriately, the name Alexander comes from the Greek Αλεξανδρος meaning “defending men”. Tales of Alexander the Great’s celebrated triumphant battles continued to be told from Antiquity up through the Middle Ages and into modern times. This has helped keep the name alive and well throughout the Western World. No wonder there are so many variations of this name! Alexandra is one of the most common female forms and is currently a top favorite in the following countries: Hungary, Chile, Catalonia, Canada and the United States. It also holds Top 100 rankings in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Australia, England/Wales, Spain and Norway. This list alone must tell you something about the endurance and attractiveness of Alexandra.