Roxana

Roxana comes through Greek and Latin forms of an Iranian name associated with brightness or radiance. One of its best-known ancient bearers was Roxana, the wife of Alexander the Great. That history gives the name a connection with the meeting of Greek and Iranian cultures, while its root expresses a simple image of light.

The spelling Roxana keeps an open final vowel, unlike Roxanne, and has also appeared in literature as the title of Daniel Defoe's novel. Those historical and literary associations add context without determining the name's meaning. For parents comparing the forms, Roxana may feel more flowing, while Roxanne has a shorter ending. Its brightness meaning can complement either the classical history or a personal connection with someone who carries the name.