Allegra

Origin and meaning of Allegra

Allegra comes from the Italian adjective allegra, 'joyful, merry, lively', from the Latin alacer, 'brisk, animated'; it also echoes the musical term allegro. It is a name that instantly conveys cheerfulness and lightness of spirit. Rare but of old tradition, it was once used among Italian Jewish communities too. Uncommon yet recognisable, it is admired in Italy and the English-speaking world as an original, sunny choice, expressing optimism and joie de vivre.