Roxanne Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationrok-SAN / /rɒkˈsæn/Greek; French
Meaning
Greek: 'dawn'; French: 'bright'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Roxanne has its roots in the ancient Persian language, derived from the word "Roxan," meaning "dawn" or "bright." This etymology reflects the name's association with light and new beginnings. The name was further adapted into Greek as "Roxane," which was popularized in the Hellenistic period, particularly through the historical figure Roxana, the wife of Alexander the Great, who lived in the 4th century BCE. The name then made its way into Latin as "Roxana," and subsequently into Old French, before entering the English language in the medieval period, where it maintained its original pronunciation and meaning.
Throughout history, Roxanne has been associated with various notable figures and cultural references. In literature, the name gained prominence through the character Roxane in Edmond Rostand's play "Cyrano de Bergerac," first performed in 1897. This character, known for her beauty and intelligence, has contributed to the name's romantic and poetic connotations. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and translations, including the works of classical authors who referenced the Persian origins of the name, thereby cementing its place in literary tradition.
Culturally, Roxanne has been embraced in various artistic expressions, symbolizing beauty, brightness, and the dawn of new ideas. The name has also been linked to themes of love and longing, particularly in the context of Rostand's play, where it represents the idealized woman. The diminutive form "Roxy" has emerged as a familiar and affectionate variant, further illustrating the name's adaptability and enduring appeal across different cultures and eras.
Trend Summary
Roxanne has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with notable peaks in the late 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Roxana
- Roxie
International Variants
- Roxana (Spanish)
- Roxanne (French)
- Roksana (Polish)
Famous people named Roxanne
Roxanne Shante is a rapper best known for her work in the hip hop genre and her role in the film Roxanne Roxanne.
Roxanne McKee is an actress best known for her roles in Hollyoaks, Game of Thrones, and Dominion.
Roxanne Hart is an actress best known for her performances in Highlander, The Crucible, and 8 Seconds.
Fictional characters named Roxanne
Roxanne is a fictional character from the animated film A Goofy Movie. She is the love interest of Max Goof and plays a significant role in his coming-of-age journey.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Roxanne was first seen in the United States in 1906. Roxanne has ranked as high as #292 nationally, which occurred in 1954, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Roxanne has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Roxanne (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 36 | |
TX | 22 | |
AZ | 11 | |
FL | 10 | |
NY | 10 | |
WA | 5 | |
IL | 5 | |
MO | 5 | |
OH | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1906 | 6 |
1913 | 5 |
1918 | 6 |
1919 | 7 |
1920 | 7 |
1922 | 6 |
1923 | 10 |
1925 | 9 |
1926 | 12 |
1927 | 8 |
1928 | 10 |
1929 | 9 |
1930 | 10 |
1931 | 15 |
1932 | 23 |
1933 | 24 |
1934 | 26 |
1935 | 30 |
1936 | 53 |
1937 | 54 |
1938 | 62 |
1939 | 66 |
1940 | 90 |
1941 | 115 |
1942 | 107 |
1943 | 179 |
1944 | 175 |
1945 | 198 |
1946 | 232 |
1947 | 270 |
1948 | 290 |
1949 | 331 |
1950 | 682 |
1951 | 1,080 |
1952 | 1,578 |
1953 | 1,763 |
1954 | 2,232 |
1955 | 2,092 |
1956 | 2,114 |
1957 | 1,774 |
1958 | 1,586 |
1959 | 1,707 |
1960 | 1,920 |
1961 | 1,724 |
1962 | 1,515 |
1963 | 1,527 |
1964 | 1,324 |
1965 | 1,271 |
1966 | 1,186 |
1967 | 1,004 |
1968 | 1,016 |
1969 | 1,090 |
1970 | 1,013 |
1971 | 1,036 |
1972 | 883 |
1973 | 702 |
1974 | 722 |
1975 | 744 |
1976 | 679 |
1977 | 751 |
1978 | 760 |
1979 | 879 |
1980 | 870 |
1981 | 852 |
1982 | 880 |
1983 | 818 |
1984 | 749 |
1985 | 878 |
1986 | 811 |
1987 | 1,021 |
1988 | 1,191 |
1989 | 975 |
1990 | 803 |
1991 | 634 |
1992 | 585 |
1993 | 459 |
1994 | 376 |
1995 | 340 |
1996 | 330 |
1997 | 266 |
1998 | 256 |
1999 | 237 |
2000 | 225 |
2001 | 186 |
2002 | 197 |
2003 | 189 |
2004 | 222 |
2005 | 225 |
2006 | 207 |
2007 | 211 |
2008 | 234 |
2009 | 258 |
2010 | 236 |
2011 | 245 |
2012 | 245 |
2013 | 253 |
2014 | 211 |
2015 | 180 |
2016 | 188 |
2017 | 190 |
2018 | 183 |
2019 | 198 |
2020 | 215 |
2021 | 208 |
2022 | 169 |
2023 | 172 |
2024 | 182 |