The name Sandra has its origins in the Greek language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, which was a compound of the words "alexo" meaning "to defend" and "andros" meaning "man." The feminine form of the name, Alexandra, eventually evolved into the modern name Sandra.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sandra can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, where it appears as a variant spelling of Alexandra. In the Book of Acts, a woman named "Sandriah" is mentioned as a follower of Jesus Christ.

During the Middle Ages, the name Sandra was relatively uncommon, but it gained popularity in various European regions, particularly in Italy and Spain. In the 13th century, a notable figure named Sandra di Piandimezzo was a wealthy Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts.

In the 16th century, Sandra Botticelli (1555-1628) was an Italian painter and poet who gained recognition for her contributions to the Renaissance art movement. Her works often depicted religious and mythological themes, and she was praised for her skillful use of color and composition.

Another prominent figure from history who bore the name Sandra was Sandra de Acuña (1572-1630), a Spanish noblewoman and writer. She was known for her poetry and her involvement in literary circles during the Spanish Golden Age.

In the 19th century, Sandra Bunić (1819-1898) was a Croatian writer and poet who played a significant role in the Croatian national revival movement. Her works helped to preserve and promote the Croatian language and culture.

As the name Sandra continued to spread across various cultures and regions, it became more widely used and accepted. Some other notable individuals with the name Sandra throughout history include Sandra Cisneros (born 1954), an American writer and poet of Mexican descent, and Sandra Day O'Connor (born 1930), the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.