Sasha
Sasha is a girl name of Russian origin meaning “Defender of mankind”, pronounced SAH-shah. It ranked #684 in the United States in 2025, given to 414 babies, and peaked at #147 in 1988. Common nicknames: Sash, Shura.
How popular is Sasha 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 Sasha mean, and where does it come from?
Sasha is the Russian diminutive of Alexander and Alexandra — from the Greek alexein, "to defend" — and in Russia it is entirely unisex, the everyday name of every Aleksandr and every Aleksandra. English speakers took it as a girls' name in the 1960s, and it entered the American top thousand in 1972, peaking in 1988. A generation of Americans knows it as the younger Obama daughter's name; in Russia it is still what you call a friend.
How is Sasha used around the world?
Sasha is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Sasha?
Famous People Named Sasha
- Sasha Cohen — American figure skater and Olympic silver medallist
- Sasha Velour — American drag performer and artist
- Sacha Baron Cohen — British actor and comedian, in the French spelling
Similar Names to Sasha
If you like Sasha, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Sasha
Looking for names that pair well with Sasha? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sasha mean?
Sasha is a girl name of Russian origin meaning "Defender of mankind." Sasha is the Russian diminutive of Alexander and Alexandra — from the Greek alexein, "to defend" — and in Russia it is entirely unisex, the everyday name of every Aleksandr and every Aleksandra. English speakers took it as a girls' name in the 1960s, and it entered the American top thousand in 1972, peaking in 1988.
How do you pronounce Sasha?
Sasha is pronounced SAH-shah. Common variations include Sascha, Sacha, Saša.
Is Sasha a girl name?
Yes, Sasha is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Sash, Shura.