Roxanna

The name Roxanna originated from the ancient Greek Rωξάνη (Rōxánē). It is believed to have derived from the Old Iranian word "raoxšna", meaning "brilliant" or "shining". This name was particularly popular in ancient Persia and the regions that are now part of modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia.

One of the earliest and most famous historical figures with the name Roxanna was the wife of Alexander the Great. Born around 340 BC in the ancient Persian city of Bactria (now part of modern-day Afghanistan and Uzbekistan), Roxanna was a Sogdian princess who married Alexander in 327 BC. Their son, Alexander IV, was briefly the ruler of the Macedonian Empire after Alexander the Great's death.

In Greek mythology, Roxanna was also the name of one of the Oceanids, the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. According to legend, she was one of the nymphs who accompanied the goddess Artemis.

During the Middle Ages, the name Roxanna was relatively uncommon in Europe, but it did appear in some historical records. One notable example was Roxanna of Courtenay (c. 1233 – c. 1300), a French noblewoman who was the Lady of Courtenay and ruled over the County of Auxerre.

In the 16th century, the Italian poet Torquato Tasso (1544 – 1595) included a character named Roxanna in his epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata" (Jerusalem Delivered). This helped to popularize the name in Renaissance Italy.

Another famous historical figure with the name Roxanna was the Russian princess Roxandra Sturdza (1786 – 1844). She was a member of the Moldavian noble family Sturdza and was known for her beauty, intelligence, and influence in the Russian imperial court during the reign of Tsar Alexander I.