Sanya

Sanya is a Slavic diminutive form of Alexandra or Aleksandra, itself derived from the Greek Alexandros, composed of the elements alexein, meaning to defend or protect, and aner, meaning man. It developed as an affectionate short form widely used in Russian and other Slavic-speaking cultures, functioning both as a nickname and as an independent given name. The name also carries independent use in Sanskrit-rooted traditions, where it relates to a word meaning distinguished or eminent. Related forms include Sasha, Shura, and the full name Alexandra.