Roxana is a unique and captivating female given name with an interesting origin and history. It has Persian roots, derived from the ancient Persian name "Rokhsana," which means "small star" or "starlet." In Arabic, Roxana is translated as "bright star."
The name Roxana gained popularity during the reign of Alexander the Great, who had a wife named Roxane (the Greek version of the name). Roxane was a Bactrian noblewoman and the daughter of a local chieftain. She became Alexander's wife in 327 BC after he conquered her homeland. Their son, Alexander IV, inherited his father's empire but was eventually assassinated along with his mother by one of Alexander's generals.
Despite its tragic historical association, Roxana remains a beautiful and distinctive name that continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters today. It is often associated with creativity, intelligence, and charm, reflecting the qualities of its celestial meaning. Throughout history, various notable figures have borne this name, such as Roxane Dunbar-Ortiz, an American historian and author, and Roxana Saberi, an Iranian-American journalist.
In literature, Roxana also appears as a character in Daniel Defoe's novel "The Fortunate Mistress," published in 1724. In the story, Roxana is the protagonist whose real name is Amy but who adopts the name Roxana after escaping her abusive husband and becoming a successful courtesan.
Overall, the name Roxana possesses an enchanting blend of ancient heritage, cultural significance, and literary allure that continues to captivate parents and individuals alike.
Statistics on the name Roxana show that it has had a fluctuating popularity over time in the United States. In the years between 1986 and 1993, there were a total of 26 births registered with this name.
The peak years for Roxana appeared to be 1987 and 1989, with each year seeing seven births. However, the years 1986 and 1993 saw six births each, indicating a slight decline in popularity during those periods.
These statistics demonstrate that while Roxana may not have been among the most popular names during this time period, it did maintain a consistent presence within the United States' birth records.