Alessandro

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Alessandro

Gender: Masculine
Language: Italian
Etymology:
Alessandro is the Italian form of Alexandros, a Greek name. Originally it meant “Defender of the People,” from “alexein” (to defend), and “andros” (man).

History:
The Greek name Alexandros was popularized throughout the early Christian era by Pope Alexander I, an early martyr. In early Italian the name Alexandros became Alexandro, and was alter softened to Alessandro.

Alessandro was a popular name in Italy from the Middle Ages until modern times. It was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants of the early 20th century, although in nearly every case it was Anglicized to Alexander.

In the early 21st century, the name Alessandro was revived. Partially, this was a way for parents to honor their Italian heritage, and partially this was as an alternative to the popular name Alexander.

Please see Alexander for more information.

Pronunciation: al-ess-ahn-droh.

Diminutives:
Italian: Alesso, Sandro.

Feminine: Alessandra, Sandra.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Sandro Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi) (1445-1510)
Italian painter
Alessandro Vittoria (1525-1608)
Italian sculptor.
Alessandro Allori (1535-1607)
Italian painter.
Alessandro Tassoni (1565-1635)
Italian poet.
Alessandro Grandi (1586-1630)
Italian composer.
Alessandro Algardi (1598-1654-)
Italian sculptor.
Alessandro Stradella (1642-1682)
Italian composer.
Alessandro Guidi (1650-1712)
Italian poet.
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725)
Italian composer.
Alessandro Magnasco (1667-1749)
Italian painter.
Alessandro Verri (1741-1816)
Italian writer.
Alessandro Manzoni (1785-1873)
Italian novelist.
Alessandro Bonsanti (1904-1994)
Italian writer.
Alessandro Parronchi (1914-)
Italian poet.
Alessandro Baricco (1958-)
Italian writer.

Military Figures:
Alessandro Farnese (1545-1592)
Italian general and diplomat.

Miscellaneous:
Alessandro Piccolomini (1508-1578)
Italian scholar.
Alessandro, conte di Cagliostro (1743-1795)
Italian adventurer.

Political Figures:
Alessandro de Medici (1510-1537)
Duke of Florence.
Alessandro Gavazzi (1809-1889)
Italian patriot.
Alessandro Fortis (1842-1909)
Italian politician.
Alessandro Pertini (1896-1990)
Italian politician.
Alessandro Pavolini (1903-1945)
Italian politician.

Scientists and Inventors:
Count Alessandro Volta (1745-1827)
Italian physicist.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % of males named Alessandro

Popularity of Alessandro:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1880-1997: N/A
1998: 881st most popular.
1999: 859th most popular.
2000: 917th most popular.
2001: 952nd most popular.
2002: 705th most popular.
2003: 700th most popular.
2004: 673rd most popular.

Selected Sources:
A Dictionary of First Names, Hanks and Hodges, 1990
The Penguin Dictionary of First Names, Pickering, 1999

The Social Security Administration Actuarial Note 139 (www.ssa.gov) - For popularity stats 1880-Present
The 1880 U.S. Census- For popularity stats 1850-1880, and other information (it is available on-line at www.familysearch.org)