Meaning and history
Malandra is a modern feminine name of uncertain formation. It may have been influenced by Sandra, Alexandra, Melandra, or other names ending in -andra, but documentary evidence for one origin is limited. If connected with Alexandra, the remote Greek root means “defender of men,” yet that meaning should not automatically be assigned to every Malandra. A notable bearer is English actor Malandra Burrows, known for the television series Emmerdale. The name is best described conservatively as a modern elaboration.