Rosana is a Portuguese and Spanish feminine given name. It is a form of Roxana, which derives from the Old Persian or Bactrian name Rhoxane, ultimately from the Iranian root *rauxšnā meaning "bright" or "shining." The Latinized Greek form Ῥωξάνη (Rhoxane) was borne by the wife of Alexander the Great, the daughter of the Bactrian nobleman Oxyartes. Etymology & Historical Context Rosana shares its etymology with the Latin Roxana, which entered European use in the 17th century. The name was popularized in the English-speaking world by Daniel Defoe's novel Roxana (1724). In Portuguese and Spanish, the variant Rosana became established, often reflecting the phonetic adaptation of the name in Romance languages. A similar Brazilian Portuguese variant is Rosane. Notable Bearers Several contemporary figures bear the name Rosana: Rosana Arbelo (born 1963), Spanish singer and composer. Rosana Bertone (born 1972), Argentine politician. Rosana dos Santos Augusto (born 1982), Brazilian footballer. Rosana Paulino (born 1967), Brazilian visual artist and curator. Rosana Pastor (born 1960), Spanish politician and actress. Rosana Simón (born 1989), Spanish taekwondo practitioner. Rosana Kiroska (born 1991), Macedonian skier. Cultural Significance The name Rosana is common across the Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking world. Its connection to the ancient figure Roxana lends it a classical heritage, while its use in modern times reflects its melodic quality. Variants span multiple languages: Roxane in French, Roxanna or Rexana in English. Meaning: "bright, shining" Origin: Old Persian / Bactrian; via Greek and Latin Type: Feminine given name Usage regions: Portuguese (especially Brazil), Spanish