Origin and meaning of the name Alexandrine

The name Alexandrine is derived from Alexander, which is a Greek name composed of the elements "alexein" meaning to defend or protect, and "andros," meaning man. It was popularized by Alexander the Great, a prominent king of Macedon in ancient Greece who conquered most of the known world at that time. The female form Alexandrine is less common but has been used in French and English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the name Alexandrine

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Alexandrine

The name Alexandrine originates from the Greek name Alexander, which means "defender of the people" or "protector of the land." It is a unisex name but is more commonly used as a female name in English-speaking countries. The feminine form, Alexandrine, emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages and was popularized by the French royal family in the 19th century. The name gained further prominence when Charles Dickens used it for one of his characters in his poem "The Convent of Prices." Over time, it has become a distinctive and elegant name, symbolizing strength, protection, and sophistication.

Character traits associated with the name Alexandrine

Alexandrine is often associated with individuals who are intellectual, refined, and sophisticated. This name, derived from the Greek Alexandros, suggests a person with strong leadership qualities, combined with a keen sense of creativity and innovation. Alexandrines are typically independent thinkers, driven by a strong desire for knowledge and understanding. They possess a deep sense of compassion, and their empathetic nature makes them excellent listeners and advisors to those around them. However, they can sometimes be perceived as aloof or distant due to their focus on intellectual pursuits. Their logical mindset and strategic thinking make them effective problem solvers, while their artistic sensibilities contribute to a unique perspective on the world. Overall, Alexandrine individuals are complex, multifaceted personalities who strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

Popularity of the name Alexandrine

The first name Alexandrine, a feminine variation of Alexander, holds a modest yet significant presence in various regions worldwide. In France, it is recognized as a traditional and formal name, often used in honor of the country's royal history. In English-speaking countries, its popularity has been relatively low compared to other names but has shown slight growth in recent years, possibly due to the increasing interest in unique and classic monikers. In some Eastern European countries, such as Poland, it is more commonly used and enjoys a higher level of popularity. Overall, Alexandrine remains a name appreciated for its historical significance and distinctive elegance.

Famous people with the name Alexandrine

Alexandrine, a variant of Alexander, has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. In literature, Alexandrine Le Soutter is a French novelist known for her works such as "A Life Too Short" and "The Farewell Party." In the realm of science, Alexandrine Aja-Boghossian is a prominent geneticist and researcher at the Institute Pasteur in Paris. In the art world, Alexandrine Néron was a Canadian painter whose work focused on Quebec's rural landscapes. In the field of aviation, Alexandrine de Polignac was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, achieving this feat in 1930. Lastly, in the music industry, Alexandrine Proust is a French opera singer recognized for her powerful soprano voice and numerous awards. These women have made significant contributions in various fields, leaving an indelible mark in their respective domains.

Variations of the name Alexandrine

Alexandrine is a female given name that originated as a feminine form of Alexander. It has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different languages and cultures.

In English, it is often spelled as Alexandrine or Alexandra. In French, it is Alexandrine, while in German it can be Alexandrine or Alexandra. In Italian, the name may appear as Alessandrina, and in Spanish, it's typically called Alejandrina.

In Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, it is known as Alexandra, while in Greece, it might be spelled as Alexandra or Alexandra-nthi (Αλεξανδρα-νθη). In Polish, the name can be written as Aleksandra, while in Russia, it's often Alexandrina, Alexandria, or Alyona.

These variations reflect regional and linguistic influences, yet all share a common origin, the ancient Greek name Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind."

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "alexandrine"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends