Sanya

Sanya is a Slavic diminutive of Alexandra or Aleksandra, itself derived from the Greek name Alexandros, composed of the elements alexein, meaning to defend, and aner, meaning man, giving the overall sense of defender of men. It functions as an affectionate short form widely used in Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries, sometimes also serving as a pet form of the male name Alexander. The name gained broader international recognition partly through its association with Russian tennis player Sanya Richards-Ross, though she bears it as a given name in its own right. Related forms include Sasha, Shura, and the full name Alexandra.