Alexandrine is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek name "Alexander," which means "defender of mankind." The name Alexandrine was traditionally given to girls who were expected to grow up to be strong and courageous, much like the male namesake.
The name Alexandrine has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Alexandrine of France, a princess born in 1878 who became Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Alexandrine Tinel, a Belgian psychiatrist known for her work on traumatic neurosis. Despite its historical usage, however, the name Alexandrine remains relatively uncommon today.
In literature and art, Alexandrine has also been used as a character name, notably in the French play "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand, where it is the given name of the female lead character, Roxane. The name may have contributed to the idea that Alexandrine women are intelligent, artistic, and independent.
Overall, while not widely popular today, Alexandrine is a historic and meaningful name with Greek roots that has been carried through generations by notable figures throughout history. Its rarity may make it an attractive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name for their daughter.
The name Alexandrine has been a rare but consistent choice for parents in the United States over the past century. According to the data provided, there were five babies named Alexandrine in 1895, six in 1918, and another five in both 1999 and 2002. The year 2007 saw a slight increase with also five births.
Over this 112-year span, a total of 26 baby girls were named Alexandrine. This represents an average of approximately one birth per year. While not a popular name by any means, it has maintained a steady presence in American naming trends. It is interesting to note that there was a gap of nearly eight decades between the first and second occurrences of the name on record.
Overall, Alexandrine can be considered a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents looking for an unusual name with a touch of history behind it. Despite its rarity, this name has managed to maintain a consistent presence in American naming culture over time.