Roxanna

Roxanna is a feminine given name used in various countries and cultures. It is a variant of Roxanne and is often treated as a distinct spelling in English-speaking contexts.

Etymology and origins

The name is commonly traced to the Old Persian name Roxšān (Roxana in Latinized form) and the Greek and French adaptations along the way. The meaning is typically associated with brightness or dawn, reflecting a positive, light-related origin. Over time, the spelling Roxanna developed as part of broader adoption of the Roxanne/Roxane family of names.

Variants and usage

Related forms include Roxanne, Roxane, and Roxana. The spelling Roxanna is one of several modern variants used in English-speaking regions and beyond. The name is found in North America, Europe, and parts of Latin America, often chosen for its musical rhythm and resemblance to the more common Roxanne.

Cultural references

Roxane, a character in Cyrano de Bergerac, and the contemporaneous popularity of the English name Roxanne—spurred by the 1978 song “Roxanne” by The Police—have influenced the broader family of spellings, including Roxanna. These cultural touchstones help explain why multiple variants coexist.

Notable people

There are no widely known public figures universally recognized under the exact spelling Roxanna; as with many given names, individuals with this spelling exist in various private and professional contexts.

See also

Roxanne, Roxana, Roxane.