About the name Aleksandra / Alexandra
Etymology & meaning
Aleksandra is the feminine of the Greek Ἀλέξανδρος — from ἀλέξω ("to defend") and ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός ("man"): "defender of the people". Bulgarian also uses Aleksandrina, Aleksandriya, Sandra and the short Aleksa.
History & patron saint
The name day is kept on Aleksandrovden in late August, when the church honours Saint Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople — a participant in the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea. A second feast gathers the names in November, on the day of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
Traditions & customs
Celebrants welcome guests at summer's end — the table is rich with grapes and early autumn fruit. Greetings wish the celebrant to protect and shelter her loved ones, echoing the very meaning of the name.
Popularity & notable bearers
Aleksandra has been among Bulgaria's favourite female names since the 1990s and consistently ranks near the top for newborn girls, helped by its international recognisability.