Alessandro

Alessandro is a male given name of Italian origin. It is the Italian form of Alexander, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning defender of the people or defender of men. Throughout Italian history and culture, Alessandro has been a common name for royals, scholars, and artists. Diminutives include Sandro, a widely used nickname, and Ale for informal use. The name remains popular in Italy and among Italian communities worldwide.

Notable people with the name include: Alessandro Volta (1745–1827), Italian physicist who invented the voltaic pile, the precursor to the electric battery; Alessandro Manzoni (1785–1873), writer and poet best known for The Betrothed; Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725), Baroque composer; Sandro Botticelli (c. 1445–1510), celebrated Renaissance painter born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi; Alessandro Del Piero (born 1974), renowned Italian footballer; and Alessandro Nesta (born 1976), former Italian footballer and coach. The name also appears in various forms and diminutives across Italian culture and remains widely recognized in contemporary contexts.