The name Alessandra has its roots in the ancient Greek language, derived from the word "alexo," meaning "to defend" or "to protect." It is a feminine form of the masculine name Alessandro, which itself is a variant of the name Alexander.

The name gained popularity in the Roman Empire, where it was often associated with military leaders and warriors who were seen as defenders of their people. During this time, the name was commonly spelled as "Alexandra" in Latin.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alessandra can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who mentioned a woman named Alessandra in his account of the Punic Wars (264-146 BC).

In the Middle Ages, the name Alessandra became particularly popular in Italy, where it was often bestowed upon women from noble families. One notable historical figure was Alessandra degli Strozzi (1408-1473), a renowned poet and intellectual from Florence.

As the Renaissance period dawned, the name continued to be widely used across Italy and other parts of Europe. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Alessandra Giliani (1307-1326), an Italian poet and philosopher who was celebrated for her wit and intellect.

During the Baroque era, the name Alessandra was associated with several prominent women in the arts and literature. One such figure was Alessandra Sirani (1638-1670), an Italian painter who gained acclaim for her vivid and expressive works.

In the 19th century, the name gained popularity in other parts of Europe and the Americas. One notable figure from this period was Alessandra Macinghi Strozzi (1406-1471), an Italian writer and diarist whose letters and memoirs provided invaluable insights into the social and cultural life of Renaissance Florence.

Over the centuries, the name Alessandra has been borne by numerous other notable individuals, including the Italian actress Alessandra Martines (born 1963), the Brazilian actress and model Alessandra Negrini (born 1970), and the Italian singer-songwriter Alessandra Amoroso (born 1986).