Sasha is a Russian and Ukrainian diminutive of Aleksandr or Aleksandra, ultimately derived from the Greek name Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros), meaning "defending men." The root name Alexander has been borne by numerous notable figures throughout history, including Alexander the Great, kings of Scotland and Poland, emperors of Russia, and eight popes. Its Slavic forms, Aleksandr and Aleksandra, are widely used in Eastern Europe, and from them emerged the affectionate short form Sasha. EtymologySasha belongs to a common pattern in Slavic languages where names are shortened and softened with suffixes like -sha. The chain traces from Alexander → Aleksandr/Aleksandra → Sasha. Related Russian variants include Aleks, Aleksandrina, Alesya, Alex, Alik, and Alya 2, as well as the further diminutive Sashenka. Usage and SpreadOriginally a Slavic diminutive, Sasha has transcended its origins to become a unisex given name in many languages. In English, French, and other Western European cultures, it is often used as an independent name for both girls and boys, though in its native Russian and Ukrainian contexts, it remains primarily a nickname. Alternative spellings across Europe include Saša (Slovenian, Serbo-Croatian, Czech, Slovak), Sasza (Polish), Sacha (French), Sascha (German), Sascia (Italian), Sasja (Danish, Swedish), and Sasho (Bulgarian). The name is especially common in Europe, used by both females and males as a diminutive of Alexandra and Alexander, respectively. Despite its popularity in informal usage, the name is rarely recorded on birth certificates in countries such as Belarus, the Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine, as it is considered a diminutive. Notable BearersNotable individuals with the name include Sasha Cohen (American figure skater), Sasha Grey (American actress), Sasha Pieterse (American actress), Sasha Alexander (American actress), and Sasha Vujačić (Slovenian basketball player). The name also appears as a surname, although rarely. Meaning: "defending men" (from Alexander)Origin: Russian and Ukrainian diminutive of Aleksandr/AleksandraType: Unisex given nameUsage regions: English, French, Russian, Ukrainian, and other European languages