Sandra
Sandra is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Defender of mankind”, pronounced SAN-druh. It ranked #1210 in the United States in 2025, given to 188 babies, and peaked at #5 in 1947. Common nicknames: Sandy, San, Sandie.
How popular is Sandra in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Sandra mean, and where does it come from?
Sandra originated as a short form of Alessandra, the Italian form of Alexandra, which derives from the Greek "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man), meaning "defender of mankind." The name first gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 1930s and reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was one of the most common girl names in the United States. Sandra Dee, the actress, and Sandra Bullock, the Academy Award-winning actress, are among its most famous bearers. Though less fashionable today, Sandra retains a warm, approachable quality.
How is Sandra used around the world?
Sandra is used in 22 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
Male FormSander
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Sandra?
Famous People Named Sandra
- Sandra Bullock — American actress and Academy Award winner
- Sandra Day O'Connor — first female US Supreme Court Justice
- Sandra Oh — Canadian-American actress
Similar Names to Sandra
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Sibling Name Ideas for Sandra
Looking for names that pair well with Sandra? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sandra mean?
Sandra is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Defender of mankind." Sandra originated as a short form of Alessandra, the Italian form of Alexandra, which derives from the Greek "alexein" (to defend) and "aner" (man), meaning "defender of mankind." The name first gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 1930s and reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was one of the most common girl names in the United States.
How do you pronounce Sandra?
Sandra is pronounced SAN-druh. Common variations include Sondra, Saundra, Sandrine.
Is Sandra a girl name?
Yes, Sandra is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Sandy, San, Sandie.