"bright, luminous"
Origin: Old Persian
Language: English
Roxana
Pronunciation: [ r-ahks-AN-uh ]
Girl Name
#2,083 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A Persian queen's name that lights up any room
Persian
Romanian
Spanish
French
Eastern European
Exotic
Elegant
Vintage
Bold
Romantic
Meaning & Origin
"dawn"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian
"little star"
Origin: Persian
Language: English
The Story of Roxana
Roxana derives from the Old Persian name Roshanak (روشنک), meaning 'bright,' 'dawn,' or 'little star.' The name entered Western consciousness through Roxana (also spelled Roxane), the Bactrian princess who became the wife of Alexander the Great in 327 BCE. She was one of the most powerful women in the Hellenistic world, and her name spread across the Persian, Greek, and Roman worlds. The Latinized form Roxana came into European use through classical literature.
Roxana saw revivals in the 17th-18th centuries through European literature — Daniel Defoe's 1724 novel 'Roxana' and Edmond Rostand's 1897 play 'Cyrano de Bergerac' kept the name prominent. In Latin America and Eastern Europe it remains popular, while in the US it peaked in the 1960s-70s.
In Persian culture, Roshanak represents light breaking through darkness — a deeply poetic and spiritual concept. In Romanian culture, Roxana remains a beloved given name. The historical Roxana's story — a woman who wielded real power in the ancient world — gives the name a feminist historical significance.
Fun Facts
- The historical Roxana was the first wife of Alexander the Great and mother of Alexander IV
- Cyrano de Bergerac's beloved Roxane is one of the most famous literary characters bearing this name
- The Police hit song 'Roxanne' (1978) brought renewed attention to the name's variant spelling
Roxana in Other Languages
French
Roxane
Polish
Roksana
Italian
Rossana
Persian
روشنک
Spanish
Roxana
Romanian
Roxana
Famous People Named Roxana
R
Roxana Saberi
Other
1977
American journalist who was imprisoned in Iran in 2009 and later wrote about her experience
R
Roxana of Bactria
Royalty
Bactrian princess and wife of Alexander the Great, one of the most powerful women of the ancient world
R
Roxane Fictional
Other
The beloved object of Cyrano de Bergerac's unrequited love in Rostand's famous 1897 play
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,083
- Total SSA Count
- 92
- Cultural Origins
- Persian Romanian Spanish French Eastern European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Roxy
Roxie
Rox
Ana
Pairs Well With
Roxana Marie
Roxana Elena
Roxana Grace
Roxana Isabelle
Roxana Claire
Roxana Sofia
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Roxana is also used as a boy name, ranked #18720.
View Roxana as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Roxana
What does the name Roxana mean?
"bright, luminous" (from Old Persian). "dawn" (from Persian). "little star" (from Persian). Roxana derives from the Old Persian name Roshanak (روشنک), meaning 'bright,' 'dawn,' or 'little star.' The name entered Western consciousness through Roxana (also spelled Roxane), the Bactrian princess who became the wife of Alexander the Great in 327 BCE. She was one of the most powerful women in the Hellenistic world, and her name spread across the Persian, Greek, and Roman worlds. The Latinized form Roxana came into European use through classical literature.
What is the origin of the name Roxana?
Roxana has Old Persian, Persian, Romanian, Spanish, French, and Eastern European origins. In Old Persian, it means "bright, luminous". In Persian, it means "dawn". In Persian, it means "little star".
Is Roxana a boy or girl name?
Roxana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2083. As a boy name, it is ranked #18720. Roxana is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Roxana?
Roxana is pronounced r-ahks-AN-uh.
How popular is the name Roxana?
Roxana is currently ranked #2083 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Roxana?
Common nicknames for Roxana include Roxy, Roxie, Rox, and Ana.
What are good middle names for Roxana?
Popular middle name pairings include Roxana Marie, Roxana Elena, Roxana Grace, Roxana Isabelle, Roxana Claire, and Roxana Sofia.
What are good sibling names for Roxana?
Names that pair well with Roxana as siblings include Darius, Cyrus, Alexander, Cassandra, Leander, and Isolde.
How many syllables does Roxana have?
Roxana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Roxana a common or rare name?
Roxana is an uncommon name, ranked #2083 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Roxana
Roxana is a girl name with Persian, Romanian, Spanish, French, and Eastern European origins . The name means "bright, luminous" in Old Persian .
Is Roxana a boy or girl name? Roxana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,083 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,720. Roxana is more commonly used as a girl name.
Roxana is currently ranked #2,083 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Roxana has 3 syllables and is pronounced r-ahks-AN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Roxana include Roxy, Roxie, Rox, and Ana. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Roxana include Roxanne, Roxanna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.