Sasha

Sasha is a Slavic diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra, from Ancient Greek Alexandros meaning "defender of men" — composed of alexein meaning "to defend" and aner meaning "man." As a standalone name, Sasha is fully gender-neutral, used comfortably for companions of any gender, carrying a soft strength that its original name's more formal version sometimes lacks.

Sasha holds the #60 spot among US pet names, with over 1,430 companions sharing it. The name has an appealing international quality — familiar enough to be immediately recognizable but with just enough Eastern European flair to feel distinctive. Sasha suits companions who are both gentle and strong, those with a soft exterior and a quiet determination underneath. It is equally popular in human and pet naming, giving it a cultural currency that has kept it consistently relevant.