An uncommon Greek pick — distinctive and rare.
A female given name.
Sandra is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, a short form of Alexandra, meaning 'defender of men' — from the Greek alexein (to defend) and aner (man). It became popular as a standalone name in the 20th century.
Sandra ranked in the U.S. top 10 in the 1940s and 50s, representing the glamour of that era's Hollywood. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor gave it an association with trailblazing achievement and quiet determination.
Sandra was #280 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1045, but its charm endures.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 1,188 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 3,671 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 9,991 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 17,620 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 30,046 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 64,337 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 183,844 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 251,594 | — |
| 1940s | 265,536 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 45,399 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 1,627 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 433 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 48 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 240 | #1045 |
| 2023 | 234 | #1064 |
| 2022 | 233 | #1081 |
| 2021 | 259 | #993 |
| 2020 | 222 | #1102 |
| 2019 | 262 | #987 |
| 2018 | 269 | #983 |
| 2017 | 301 | #895 |
| 2016 | 320 | #882 |
| 2015 | 338 | #830 |
| 2014 | 355 | #793 |
| 2013 | 357 | #764 |
| 2012 | 415 | #681 |
| 2011 | 473 | #611 |
| 2010 | 581 | #515 |
| 2009 | 586 | #518 |
| 2008 | 721 | #442 |
| 2007 | 800 | #407 |
| 2006 | 892 | #363 |
| 2005 | 1,019 | #315 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Sandra has also been given to 2,692 boys in the U.S. since 1933.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1904–2024) · Methodology