Sasha

Sasha is a Slavic diminutive of the Greek-origin name Alexander or its feminine form Alexandra, both derived from the Greek elements alexein, meaning to defend, and aner, meaning man, giving the combined sense of defender of men. It entered widespread use in Russia and other Slavic countries as an affectionate short form before spreading internationally as an independent given name. Sasha is used for both males and females across different cultures, though its gender association varies by region. Related forms include Sacha, Sascha, and Shura, while the full names Alexander and Alexandra remain the classical cognates.