Roxanne

Roxanne is the English and French form of an ancient Greek name Roxana (Ρωξάνη) which was ultimately derived from the Bactrian-Persian Roshanak (روشنک) meaning “dawn” (or “bright, radiant one”). Roshanak was the daughter of a Bactrian (present day northern Afghanistan) nobleman who became the first wife of Alexander the Great around 330 B.C. after he conquered the Persian Empire (apparently he was completely infatuated with her). In other words, Roxana is a very ancient name! However, it was not widely used among English speakers until 2,000 years later when, in the 18th century, English author Daniel Defoe wrote a novel called “Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress” (1724) which brought some notice to this ancient Persian name. More literary currency was added to the name by way of Edmond Rostand, a French dramatist who wrote a well-known play called “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1897) in which the very beautiful and highly intelligent Roxane is play’s titular character’s object of desire. See literary references below for more information. Today, in the 21st century, Roxanne is most popular in England where she continues to be used with mild moderation. Rox, Roxie and Roxy are common nicknames.