Declining since 1988, #2,822 for girls today.
Popularity of Roxanna since 1880
Babies named Roxanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 58 |
| 1890s | 62 |
| 1900s | 71 |
| 1910s | 159 |
| 1920s | 202 |
| 1930s | 331 |
| 1940s | 758 |
| 1950s | 1,843 |
| 1960s | 2,034 |
| 1970s | 1,432 |
| 1980s | 2,092 |
| 1990s | 1,570 |
| 2000s | 1,433 |
| 2010s | 1,058 |
| 2020s | 356 |
Meaning & origin
Roxanna has a long history rooted in ancient Persia, ultimately from the Old Persian word for 'dawn.' Though never among the most common names, it has maintained a steady presence in the United States since 1880. In 2025, it ranked 2,822nd, with approximately 1 in 26,788 girls receiving the name. Its peak year was 1988, followed by a gradual decline. The name has been most popular in California and Texas, reflecting its appeal among diverse communities. Roxanna's enduring charm lies in its melodic sound and connection to classical history, offering a distinctive alternative to the more standard Roxanne.
Roxanna is a Latinized form of the Greek Ῥωξάνη (Rhoxane), which itself derives from the Old Persian name Raoxshna, meaning 'dawn' or 'bright.' The name is most famously associated with Roxana, the wife of Alexander the Great, a Bactrian princess. In English usage, Roxanna emerged alongside Roxanne, often as a spelling variant, and saw modest use in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Where Roxanna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roxie, Roxy, Rox, Anna
Sibling names for Roxanna
Names that share Roxanna's style, for a brother or sister.
