The name Alessandro has its origins in the Greek name Alexandros, which itself is derived from the Greek elements 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' and 'andros' meaning 'man'. The name was brought into widespread use by Alexander the Great, one of the most renowned military leaders in history who lived from 356 BC to 323 BC and whose conquests stretched across much of the ancient world.

The name Alessandro is the Italian form of the name, and it became popular in Italy and other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. The earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in historical documents and records from this time, such as the writings of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321).

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Alessandro was Alessandro de' Medici (1510-1537), the Duke of Florence and the first ruler of the Medici dynasty. Other notable Alessandros throughout history include the Italian painter Alessandro Allori (1535-1607), the Baroque composer Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725), and the Italian writer and philosopher Alessandro Manzoni (1785-1873).

The name has also been borne by a number of other influential figures, such as the Italian mathematician and astronomer Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), who is credited with inventing the first electric battery, and the Italian explorer Alessandro Malaspina (1754-1810), who led a scientific expedition around the world in the late 18th century.

In more recent times, the name Alessandro has continued to be popular in Italy and other parts of the world, with various notable individuals bearing the name, including the Italian film director Alessandro Blasetti (1900-1987) and the Italian actor Alessandro Gassman (1965-2000).