Roxane

Roxane is a feminine given name, primarily a French form of Roxana, a Persian-origin name borne by historical figures including the wife of Alexander the Great. The spelling Roxane is common in French, while variants such as Roxana and Roxanne appear in other languages and contexts.

In literature and theater, the name is most famously associated with the beloved of Cyrano de Bergerac in Edmond Rostand's play. In the original French, the character is named Roxane, though some English adaptations spell the name Roxanne. The character’s story has been retold in numerous adaptations and media, often preserving the romantic focus and dramatic contrasts central to Rostand’s work.

Notable people named Roxane include Roxane Gay (born 1974), an American writer, essayist, and commentator, and Roxane Mesquida (born 1980), a French actress known for roles in independent films and television. Other individuals with the name have achieved recognition in various cultural and professional fields.

See also Roxana and Roxanne for related variants, as well as broader discussions of the name’s usage and cultural appearances.