Declining since 1988, #1,309 for girls today.
Popularity of Roxanne since 1906
Babies named Roxanne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 71 |
| 1930s | 363 |
| 1940s | 1,987 |
| 1950s | 16,608 |
| 1960s | 13,577 |
| 1970s | 8,169 |
| 1980s | 9,044 |
| 1990s | 4,287 |
| 2000s | 2,154 |
| 2010s | 2,131 |
| 2020s | 1,117 |
Meaning & origin
Roxanne is a name of Persian origin, brought to the West through Alexander the Great's wife, Roxana. Meaning 'dawn' or 'light,' it has a strong historical pedigree. In the United States, Roxanne first appeared in birth records in 1906 and reached its peak popularity in 1954, when it ranked in the top 300. Since 1988, its usage has been steadily declining; by 2025, it ranked 1,309th, with just 1 in 9,455 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has been most common in states like Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington, reflecting a traditional, enduring appeal. Its nickname Roxy adds a modern, spunky alternative.
Roxanne is the Latinized form of the Greek Ῥωξάνη, derived from the Old Persian name Roshanak, meaning 'dawn' or 'light'. It was the name of the Bactrian princess Roxana, wife of Alexander the Great. The name entered Western use through this historical figure and gained exposure in literature, including Daniel Defoe's Roxana (1724). It became more widely used in the English-speaking world in the 20th century.
Where Roxanne 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.
“Roxanne” around the world
Where Roxanne lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roxie, Roxy, Rox, Ann, Roxi
Sibling names for Roxanne
Names that share Roxanne's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Simone, Celeste, Vivian, Genevieve, Bianca, Lawana, Roxy, Twana, Xena, Danise, Dawanna, Jolina, Keisa, Laresa, Renette, Revonda, Tahnee, Towana, Vonetta, Chrisanne, Delonda, Jomarie, Krisanne, Radonna, Ramonda, Rejeana, Rexanne, Anedra, Danamarie, Davona, Ketrina, Romanda, Romonda, Ronnica, Roxene, Tonianne
Brothers: Julian, Xavier, Dorian, Sylvester, Derek, Jimi, Randale, Rande, Raymone, Richy, Rockford, Ronel, Rodel
Names like Roxanne
Names whose popularity has moved with Roxanne's over the last 50 years.
