Declining since 1985, #1,207 for girls today.
Popularity of Sandra since 1904
Babies named Sandra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 48 |
| 1910s | 433 |
| 1920s | 1,627 |
| 1930s | 45,399 |
| 1940s | 265,538 |
| 1950s | 251,591 |
| 1960s | 183,846 |
| 1970s | 64,340 |
| 1980s | 30,048 |
| 1990s | 17,620 |
| 2000s | 9,992 |
| 2010s | 3,672 |
| 2020s | 1,377 |
Meaning & origin
Sandra reached its peak popularity in 1946, when it was a top 20 name in the United States. It remained highly fashionable through the 1950s and 1960s but has since experienced a steady decline. By 2025, its rank has fallen to 1207th, with only about 1 in every 8,549 newborn girls receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-century favorites. In 2025, the states with the highest relative usage are South Carolina, Kentucky, and Alabama, where the name retains some regional charm. Sandra is the short form of Alessandra, the Italian version of Alexandra, ultimately from the Greek Alexandros meaning 'defender of men'.
Sandra originated as a short form of Alessandra, the Italian feminine version of Alessandro (Alexander). The root is the Greek Alexandros, composed of 'alexein' (to defend) and 'aner' (man), thus 'defender of men'. It became widely used in English-speaking countries in the 20th century as an independent given name, gaining particular popularity in the mid-20th century.
Where Sandra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sandra” around the world
Where Sandra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sandy, Sandi, Sannie
Sibling names for Sandra
Names that share Sandra's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Linda, Patricia, Barbara, Carol, Sharon, Cindy, Denise, Judith, Lynda, Yolanda, Carole, Cindi, Darla, Debby, Diann, Pamala, Shelia, Tamra, Vonda, Cheryle, Cinda, Debbra, Dedra, Deeann, Lauralee, Marylynn, Sherril, Tandra, Tangela, Wonda, Bobbette, Branda, Camela, Cherylann, Cindia, Cynda, Cyndie, Cynitha, Dandra, Debie, Deeanne, Delmy, Kristee, Landra, Leondra, Maurica, Patrisha, Scherry, Shalene, Sharry, Sheral, Steffi, Suann, Sundra, Barbarann, Candus, Chyrel, Chyrl, Cinde, Cindra, Cyndia, Debralee, Deby, Drinda, Loletha, Lynann, Pamula, Sanita, Wandra, Deetra, Cheryal, Cherylee, Debar, Debe, Derhonda, Gerrianne, Kathee, Kaydra, Lafreda, Laurajean, Lynnel, Marshia, Pammie, Shaaron, Sharilynn, Shelie, Shirla, Teriann, Terrilee
Brothers: Richard, Robert, William, James, John, Jody, Larry, Timothy, Garry, Jeffry, Derryl, Garrie, Rondall, Sherard, Jarry, Jerral, Sanuel
Names like Sandra
Names whose popularity has moved with Sandra's over the last 50 years.
