What does Roxana mean and where does it come from?
Roxana (روکسانا) is a name of Persian origin, derived from the word 'Rox' meaning 'dawn.' It has historical significance as the name of Roxana, the wife of Alexander the Great. The name has been used in various forms across cultures, including in Greek and Latin. It is also associated with beauty an
Cultural significance
Roxana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dawn.
Peak popularity
Reached #617 in 1987 — currently #2366 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Roxana?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Roxana?
Roxana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Roxana Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Roxana Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Roxana Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Roxana Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Roxana Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Roxana Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Roxana right now?
Falling — down 270 spots — currently #2366 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2366 | 77 | ▼ down 270 · -16% births |
| 2024 | #2096 | 92 | ▼ down 387 · -81% births |
| 2023 | #1709 | 491 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1714 | 471 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1719 | 441 | ▲ up 98 · +312% births |
| 2020 | #1817 | 107 | ▼ down 145 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #1672 | 127 | ▼ down 288 · -24% births |
| 2010 | #1384 | 167 | ▼ down 414 · -34% births |
| 2005 | #970 | 252 | ▲ up 83 · +28% births |
| 2000 | #1053 | 197 | ▼ down 251 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #802 | 248 | ▼ down 116 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #686 | 310 | ▲ up 60 · +34% births |
| 1985 | #746 | 232 | ▲ up 355 · +84% births |
| 1980 | #1101 | 126 | ▲ up 147 · +38% births |
| 1975 | #1248 | 91 | — |
The story of Roxana
Roxana has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. A total of 11,565 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1399 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1709 in 2023. Roxana is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Roxana in 1987:
Roxana by decade
Roxana peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 26 | |
| 1890s | 17 | |
| 1900s | 31 | |
| 1910s | 67 | |
| 1920s | 133 | |
| 1930s | 185 | |
| 1940s | 395 | |
| 1950s | 588 | |
| 1960s | 690 | |
| 1970s | 941 | |
| 1980s | 2,291 | |
| 1990s ★ | 2,522 | |
| 2000s | 2,302 | |
| 2010s | 1,270 | |
| 2020s | 276 | |
What are good nicknames for Roxana?
What names sound and feel like Roxana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roxana also consider these
How is Roxana written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Roxana
What does the name Roxana mean?
Roxana means "Dawn" — a name rooted in Persia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Roxana?
Roxana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Roxana?
Roxana originates from Persia tradition. Persia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Roxana?
Roxana is a three-syllable name pronounced rah-KSAN-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Roxana?
Roxana pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Persia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.