Declining since 1996, #3,975 for girls today.
Popularity of Allegra since 1902
Babies named Allegra per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1988, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Allegra's real moment was 1997.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 171 |
| 1920s | 174 |
| 1930s | 118 |
| 1940s | 101 |
| 1950s | 109 |
| 1960s | 189 |
| 1970s | 419 |
| 1980s | 676 |
| 1990s | 1,196 |
| 2000s | 606 |
| 2010s | 686 |
| 2020s | 282 |
Meaning & origin
Allegra is a musical and joyful name that has been in use in the United States since at least 1902. Its peak popularity came in 1997, ranking 3975th, but its use has been declining since 1996. The name is most popular in New York, Florida, and California, reflecting its appeal in culturally diverse and musically inclined regions. As of 2025, the name is given to approximately 1 in 44646 girls, suggesting it remains a distinctive choice. While never common, Allegra enjoyed a modest surge in the 1990s, possibly influenced by cultural references, but it has since returned to a more niche status. Its Italian origins and lively meaning continue to attract parents seeking a name with musical flair.
Allegra is the feminine form of the Italian adjective allegro, meaning 'cheerful' or 'lively,' derived from Latin alacer (lively, brisk). It entered use as a given name in English-speaking countries in the 19th century, often in families with musical connections, as allegro is a musical tempo marking. The name was also used in Jewish Italian families as a translation of the Yiddish name Freyda or Simcha.
Where Allegra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Allegra” around the world
Where Allegra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Allie, Legra, Ally
Sibling names for Allegra
Names that share Allegra's style, for a brother or sister.
