Roshni is a feminine given name used primarily in Hindi and Marathi-speaking regions of India. It derives from the Hindi and Marathi word raushanī (रौशनी), meaning "light, brightness," which ultimately traces its roots to Persian. The name is closely related to the Persian masculine name Roshan, which shares the same etymological source.Etymology and Linguistic RootsThe underlying Persian element rošan (روشن) signifies "light, bright, luminous" and is also the source of the name Roshan (Persian) and its feminine counterpart Roshni. The name is part of a broader onomastic family that includes Old Persian Rauxšna, from which later forms such as Roxana (Spanish), Roxane (French), Rossana (Italian), and Rhoxane (Ancient Greek) have evolved. These names share a common Indo-Iranian root centered on the concept of radiance and illumination.Cultural Usage and PopularityRoshni is a popular name among Hindi and Marathi speakers, often chosen for its auspicious meaning of "light," which carries connotations of knowledge, purity, and hope. It is used across India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.Notable BearersThe name Roshni and its variant Roshini have been borne by numerous notable individuals, particularly in Indian entertainment and media:Roshini (actress), Indian actressRoshini (singer), Indian singerRoshini Kempadoo (born 1959), British photographer, artist, and academicRoshini Thinakaran, Sri Lankan-American filmmakerRoshni Chopra (born 1980), Indian actress and television hostRoshni Dinaker, Indian costume designer and film directorRoshni Kaur Soin (born 1986), Singaporean beauty pageant winnerRoshni Nadar (born 1980/81), Indian business executive and philanthropistRoshni Rastogi, Indian actress known for Hindi televisionRoshni Sahota, Indian actress and modelRoshni Prakash (born 1993), Indian model and actressRoshni Walia (born 2001), Indian actress and dancerRoshini Haripriyan (born 1992), Indian television actressVariantsThe masculine equivalent of Roshni is Roshan, used in Hindi and Persian contexts. Notably, Roshni is not directly related to the name Roxana as a loanword but shares a deep etymological connection through the same Indo-Iranian root referring to light.Key FactsMeaning: Light, brightnessOrigin: Persian, via Hindi and MarathiType: First nameUsage: Hindi, MarathiRelated names: Roshan (masculine), Roxana, Roxane (Latinized)