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I think that the most common Russian male name is Sasha (Alexandr)… What is the relationship between the two names? I've known multiple people named Alex, but

I think that the most common Russian male name is Sasha (Alexandr)… What is the relationship between the two names? I've known multiple people named Alex, but never met a Sasha in person. Is Alex/Alexander a nickname for Sasha, like Chuy is for Jesús, in Mexico?

seanstev 2y ago
Alex to me has always been short for Alexey, not Alexander. The fact that Alex is short for Alexander is very confusing. Sasha/shura/shurik vs Alex/alyosha.
storoj 2y ago
> Is Alex/Alexander a nickname for Sasha it's the other way around: "Alexandr" is the "canonical" name, and "Sasha" is a shorter version of it In Russian some names can be used with "sha" suffix that makes the name sound "softer": in many cases it's how parents call their kids. Mikhail -> Misha; Mariya -> Masha; Alexandr(Male) or Alexandra(Female) -> Alexasha -> Sasha
eps 2y ago
Sasha is a familiar version of Alexander. Like Ben for Benjamin, Pete for Peter, Ash for Ashley, etc. Its etymology is just a bit less straight-forward.