Alexandrine

Alexandrine is a French feminine form of Alexander, which derives from the ancient Greek name Alexandros, composed of the elements alexein, meaning to defend, and aner, meaning man, giving an overall sense of defender of men. The name gained widespread use across Europe largely through the fame of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king whose conquests spread Greek culture throughout much of the ancient world. Alexandrine was borne by several European noblewomen, including Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and the French alexandrin verse form, characterized by twelve syllables, is thought to take its name from medieval poems about Alexander the Great. Related forms include Alexandra, Alexandrina, and Alessandrina.