UK girl's name
Roshana
A feminine name of Persian origin meaning "light" or "bright".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2018. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Roshana is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Roshana popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2018 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5666, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2008, with 4 births.
This profile covers 16 England and Wales registrations across 5 recorded years from 1996 to 2018. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 75% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 16 living people in the UK are called Roshana. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2019 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Roshana ranked #5666 for girls in England and Wales in 2018, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2008, when 4 girls were registered as Roshana.
- • About 16 living people in the UK are estimated to have Roshana as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5666
2018
Births in 2018
3
Latest year
Peak year
2008
4 births
Estimated living
16
2026
Meaning
What does Roshana mean?
The name Roshana has its origins in the Persian language, tracing back to ancient Persia, now known as Iran. It is derived from the Persian word "roshan," which means "light" or "bright." The name carries a connotation of radiance, luminosity, and enlightenment.
In the early centuries of the Islamic era, the name Roshana gained popularity among Persian-speaking communities. It was often given to girls as a symbol of hope, purity, and guidance. The name's association with light and brightness aligned with the spiritual and philosophical teachings of the time.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Roshana can be found in the epic poem "Shahnameh" (The Book of Kings), written by the renowned Persian poet Ferdowsi in the late 10th and early 11th centuries. The poem contains references to a character named Roshana, who was depicted as a wise and virtuous woman.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Roshana. One such individual was Roshana Aryan (1958-2008), an Afghan singer and musician who gained international recognition for her contributions to the preservation of traditional Afghan music. She was a prominent cultural figure and advocated for women's rights in her country.
Another prominent Roshana was Roshana Javed (born 1957), a Pakistani writer and poet. She has authored numerous books and has been recognized for her literary contributions, including the prestigious Pride of Performance award from the Pakistani government.
In the field of politics, Roshana Sillu (born 1965) is a notable figure from Fiji. She served as a member of the Fiji Parliament and was actively involved in advocating for women's rights and gender equality in her country.
Roshana Rasool (born 1984) is an Indian actress and model who has appeared in various Bollywood films and television shows. Her on-screen presence and acting talents have earned her recognition in the Indian entertainment industry.
Roshana Salvatus (born 1985) is a former Indonesian badminton player who has represented her country in international competitions. She has won several medals at the Southeast Asian Games and achieved notable rankings in the sport.
While the name Roshana has its roots in the Persian language, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with historical Persian or Islamic influences. The name's association with light, brightness, and enlightenment has made it a cherished choice for parents seeking a name with profound meaning and cultural significance.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Roshana over time
The chart below shows babies named Roshana registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2018. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Roshana, the clearest high point is 2008. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2018, compared with 4 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Roshana by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Roshana was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #5666 | 3 | 1 |
| 2000s | #4524 | 4 | 1 |
| 1990s | #3840 | 9 | 3 |
Related
Names similar to Roshana
- Ruby 60,551
- Rebecca 45,764
- Rosie 35,558
- Rachel 19,034
- Rose 18,043
- Robyn 14,556
- Rosa 6,236
- Rhiannon 6,180
- Rachael 4,702
- Rebekah 4,395
- Rhianna 4,177
- Ruth 4,118
FAQ
Roshana: questions and answers
How popular is the name Roshana in the UK right now?
In 2018, Roshana was ranked #5666 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Roshana most popular?
The peak year on record was 2008, with 4 babies registered as Roshana in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Roshana?
A feminine name of Persian origin meaning "light" or "bright".
How many people are called Roshana in the UK?
A total of 16 babies have been registered as Roshana across the 5 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.