Roxanna is a feminine given name of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian name Rohhina, which means "dawn" or "light". The name Roxanna is associated with Roxana, a Bactrian wife of Alexander the Great who played a significant role in his empire after his death.
The name Roxanna gained popularity in Europe during the Renaissance through the story of Alexander the Great and his wife Roxana. In William Shakespeare's play "Alexander the Great", Roxana is portrayed as a strong-willed and intelligent woman who becomes Alexander's wife and eventually gives birth to their son, Alexander IV.
Throughout history, several notable women have been named Roxanna or variations of the name such as Roxane or Rokhsana. One famous example is Roxana, the wife of the last King of Scotland, James V.
Overall, the name Roxanna has a rich historical background and carries a meaning that signifies light and dawn, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Roxanna experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half, with birth numbers ranging from as low as 5 to as high as 316. The peak years for the name appear to be in the late 1940s to early 1950s, with 77 births in 1943, 72 births in 1944, and a remarkable high of 316 births in 1988. However, since the 1990s, the name's popularity has been in steady decline, with fewer than 100 births annually recorded from 1997 onwards. As of 2023, Roxanna appears to be quite uncommon, with only 58 births registered.