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Roxana Girl

Popularity: #858 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationrok-SAN-uh / /rɒkˈsɑːnə/

Persian; Greek

Meaning

Persian: 'dawn'; Greek: 'bright'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Roxana has its roots in ancient Persian, derived from the word "Roxane," which means "dawn" or "bright." This name was notably borne by Roxana, the wife of Alexander the Great, who lived in the 4th century BCE. The name entered the Greek language as "Roxane" (Ρωξάνη), reflecting its Persian origins, and subsequently made its way into Latin texts. The Latin form, "Roxana," was adopted into various European languages, including Old French, before finally being incorporated into English during the Middle Ages.

Roxana's historical significance is underscored by its association with notable figures in antiquity. The most prominent Roxana was the daughter of a Bactrian noble, who became the wife of Alexander the Great after his conquest of Persia. Their marriage symbolized the fusion of Greek and Persian cultures, a theme that resonated through subsequent historical narratives. The name also appears in various literary works, including those of the Roman poet Ovid, who referenced Roxana in his writings, further embedding the name in the cultural consciousness of the time.

In addition to its historical roots, Roxana carries symbolic associations with beauty and light, reflective of its etymological meaning. The name has been embraced in various cultures, often linked to themes of illumination and hope. In some traditions, diminutive forms such as "Roxy" have emerged, although these are more modern adaptations. The enduring legacy of Roxana can be seen in its continued use across different cultures and languages, maintaining a connection to its rich historical and linguistic heritage.

Trend Summary

Roxana has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable presence in the early 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Roxanne
  • Roxie

International Variants

  • Roxane (French)
  • Roksana (Polish)
  • Roxana (Spanish)

Famous people named Roxana

Roxana Saberi is a journalist and author best known for Between Two Worlds, and her reporting for NPR and ABC News.

Roxana Briban is a mathematician best known for her work in algebra and number theory.

Fictional characters named Roxana

Roxana is a fictional character from the novel Roxana by Daniel Defoe. She is a young woman who navigates the complexities of love and independence in 18th century England.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Roxana was first seen in the United States in 1882. Roxana has ranked as high as #914 nationally, which occurred in 1991, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Roxana has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Roxana (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 26
62%
TX 11
26%
FL 5
12%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18825
18845
18865
188911
18905
18926
18936
19025
19035
19045
19066
19075
19095
191210
19147
19159
19168
19178
191813
191912
192022
192116
19228
192312
192413
192518
192612
19278
19289
192915
19307
193113
193211
193319
193422
193522
193628
193714
193821
193928
194017
194127
194226
194336
194442
194539
194637
194741
194861
194969
195062
195165
195253
195350
195467
195575
195682
195745
195848
195941
196066
196165
196276
196376
196467
196567
196655
196773
196859
196986
197080
1971102
197290
197370
1974109
197591
1976109
1977100
197893
1979100
1980126
1981140
1982176
1983207
1984189
1985232
1986279
1987313
1988309
1989301
1990310
1991315
1992278
1993286
1994262
1995248
1996256
1997186
1998179
1999196
2000197
2001248
2002268
2003198
2004243
2005252
2006245
2007221
2008207
2009225
2010167
2011189
2012140
2013118
2014105
2015127
2016107
2017108
2018100
2019109
2020107
202197
202294
202388
202492