Declining since 2010, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Roshan since 1961
Babies named Roshan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 17 | 0 |
| 1970s | 45 | 66 |
| 1980s | 25 | 220 |
| 1990s | 31 | 284 |
| 2000s | 0 | 577 |
| 2010s | 6 | 450 |
| 2020s | 5 | 191 |
Meaning & origin
Roshan, meaning 'light' in Persian, is a name with ancient roots and modern resonance. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1974 and has since seen modest but consistent use, reaching a peak rank of 2,514 in 2010. As of 2025, it ranks 3,658, reflecting a gradual decline in popularity since that peak. The name is given to about 1 in every 56,936 newborn boys, indicating its rarity. Geographically, Roshan is most common in California, which aligns with its prevalence in communities of Iranian and South Asian descent. The name's trajectory suggests it remains a distinctive choice, far from the mainstream but with a clear cultural heritage. Its association with light and illumination gives it a poetic quality that spans cultures and languages.
Roshan derives from the Persian word 'roshan' meaning light or bright. It is commonly used as a given name in Iran, Afghanistan, and other Persian-influenced cultures, as well as among South Asian Muslim communities. The name has been used for centuries and appears in Persian poetry and literature.
Where Roshan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Roshan” around the world
Where Roshan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roshi, Shan, Ro
Variants: Roshani, Roshin
Sibling names for Roshan
Names that share Roshan's style, for a brother or sister.
