Find out how popular the last name Alejandra is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Alejandra.

Alejandra, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Alejandra surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Alejandra in America

Alejandra is the 138741st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Alejandra surname appeared 111 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Alejandra.

The history of the last name Alejandra

Alejandra is a surname that finds its roots primarily in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically within the regions that now constitute modern-day Spain. The surname is derived from the given name "Alejandro," which in turn comes from the Greek name Alexander, meaning "defender of the people." This derivation suggests that the surname Alejandra likely became solidified during or after the Christian Reconquista, a period ranging from the 8th to the 15th century, as classical and biblical names became more common in the region.

Alejandra, as a surname, appears to have flourished particularly in Castile and Aragon. These territories were significant cultural and political centers in medieval Spain, making it plausible that the nobility and clergy would adopt surnames rooted in religious and classical traditions. The earliest mentions of Alejandra in written records can be traced back to tax and property documents from the late 15th century, although specifics are scarce. Its presence in these documents indicates that the name had achieved a degree of social and economic status by this time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Alejandra comes from a 15th-century Castilian register, documenting a nobleman named Mateo Alejandra. Born around 1470, Mateo is noted in local history for his involvement in defending castles during the War of Granada, a conflict that marked the last stand of Muslim rule in Spain. Subsequently, the Alejandra family established themselves as important figures in the military and civic spheres during the turbulent periods of Spain's unification.

In the 16th century, records from the Spanish Inquisition include mention of Lucia Alejandra, born circa 1530. She was suspected of harboring Protestant sympathies, a dangerous accusation during this era. Surviving court records reveal that Lucia was eventually cleared of all charges, and she continued to live in her hometown of Toledo, a city known for its historical and multicultural heritage.

Traveling into the 17th century, another notable figure is Hernando Alejandra, born around 1605. Hernando made significant contributions to the Spanish Crown's naval exploits, particularly his pivotal role in expeditions to the New World. His activities are cited in the maritime logs of the Spanish fleet, highlighting his journey to the Caribbean and the establishment of new trade routes.

The 18th century saw the emergence of Diego Alejandra, a prominent landowner in the province of Sevilla. Diego, born in 1712, expanded his family's estates significantly through strategic marriages and land acquisitions. His influence within local politics became evident through various municipal records, showing Diego's active participation in the governance of his region.

Finally, in the 19th century, Maria Alejandra, born in 1845, became a pioneering figure in Spanish education. Leaving behind a substantial legacy, Maria Alejandra is noted for founding one of the first schools for girls in Madrid. Her efforts in advocating for educational reform are documented in contemporary publications, reflecting the progressive ideas that were beginning to take root in Spain during this period.

Through these centuries, the surname Alejandra has been borne by individuals who contributed significantly to the social, military, and cultural fabric of Spain. This rich history demonstrates the surname's enduring presence and the notable achievements of those who carried it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Alejandra

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Alejandra.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Alejandra was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Alejandra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alejandra, please contact us.

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