The name Sasha has its roots in the Russian language and dates back to the late 19th century. It is a diminutive form of the Russian name Aleksandr, which is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men." The name Sasha gained popularity in Russia and other Slavic countries as a shortened version of Aleksandr.

In ancient times, the name Alexandros was borne by several notable historical figures, including Alexander the Great, the famous Macedonian king and conqueror who lived from 356 BC to 323 BC. He is one of the most celebrated military leaders in history, and his name has been widely used across cultures and languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sasha can be found in the works of renowned Russian writers, such as Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, who featured characters with this name in their literary works during the 19th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Sasha. One of the most famous was Sasha Cherny, a Russian-born artist and political cartoonist who lived from 1880 to 1932. His satirical artwork and biting commentary on social and political issues made him a prominent figure in the early 20th century.

Another notable figure was Sasha Kropotkin, a Russian princess and revolutionary who lived from 1856 to 1920. She was a leading advocate for anarchist and feminist ideals and played a significant role in the Russian revolutionary movement.

In the world of sports, Sasha Gritchin was a Soviet gymnast who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games, winning multiple medals for the Soviet Union.

Sasha Mitchell, born in 1967, is an American actress and filmmaker known for her roles in various television series and movies, including "Being Human" and "Dharma & Greg."

It is worth noting that while the name Sasha has traditionally been more common in Slavic cultures, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well, particularly as a unisex name in recent decades.