Alejandra is a female given name of Spanish origin, derived from the male name Alejandro. The name Alejandro is composed of two elements: 'alej' meaning "to defend" or "noble", and 'andros' meaning "man". Therefore, Alejandra can be translated as "defender of mankind" or "noble protector of mankind".
The use of the female suffix "-a" transforms Alejandro into Alejandra, creating a unique and beautiful name for girls. This naming practice is common in Spanish-speaking countries, where male names ending with "-o" are often adapted to create female counterparts.
Historically, the name Alejandro was popular among the Spanish nobility during the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name may have originated from Alexander the Great, whose legend and influence extended across Europe. However, there is no definitive evidence supporting this theory.
In Spain, Alejandra gained popularity in the 19th century and has since become a widely recognized and beloved name for girls. Today, it continues to be popular not only in Spanish-speaking countries but also among Spanish communities around the world.
Overall, Alejandra is a strong and elegant name with a rich historical background and a meaningful translation. It represents a powerful and noble spirit, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a distinctive and significant name for their daughter.
The name Alejandra has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its popularity since the late 1960s.
In the early 20th century, there were fewer than ten births with the name Alejandra each year. However, starting in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the number of babies named Alejandra began to rise dramatically. In 1964, only 31 babies were given this name, but by 1980, that number had grown to 463.
The popularity of the name Alejandra continued to climb throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Between 1990 and 2000, over 17,000 babies were named Alejandra in the United States alone. The year 2000 marked the peak of Alejandra's popularity, with a total of 1,861 births.
However, since then, the number of babies named Alejandra has begun to decline. Between 2001 and 2023, there were fewer than 750 births each year with the name Alejandra. Despite this decrease in popularity, Alejandra remains a beloved and meaningful name for many families.
Overall, over the past century, more than 52,993 babies have been named Alejandra in the United States alone, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a name choice for parents looking to honor their children with a unique and powerful moniker.