Roshan: a male name of Old Persian origin meaning "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining)".It derives from the Old Persian word "Roušanak / ROSHANAK".
The name Roshan carries a rich history rooted in Old Persian culture. Derived from "Roušanak / ROSHANAK", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Old Persian-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Roshan
Quick facts about Roshan
Origin
Old Persian
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Roušanak / ROSHANAK
How to Pronounce Roshan
Roshan is pronounced /roʊˈʃɑːn/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Ros-han
Say it like: "ROOOSHAHN"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Roshan is predominantly used in iranian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
iranian
Frequently Asked Questions About Roshan
What does the name Roshan mean?
Roshan means "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.". The name comes from Roušanak / ROSHANAK. In its original form, the name derives from Roušanak / Roshanak (روشنک). This old persian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Roshan for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Roshan's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Roshan?
Roshan is a old persian name. The name traces back to Roušanak / ROSHANAK. The original form Roušanak / Roshanak (روشنک) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to iranian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old persian meaning "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Roshan a boy or girl name?
Roshan is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old persian tradition, Roshan has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Roshan?
Roshan is pronounced "/roʊˈʃɑːn/". This pronunciation follows fa language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Roshan is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Roshan can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Roušanak / ROSHANAK influences how Roshan sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Roshan?
Roshan is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Roshan offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Roshan's popularity may vary between old persian communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Roshan holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Roshan commonly used?
Roshan is used primarily in iranian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Roshan found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Roušanak / Roshanak” (bright, dawn, a window of light, shining). The version “Roxana” and its variants have come from the Greek “Ro̱xáne (Ρωξάνη) / Rhōksánē (Ῥωξάνη).” Roxana is the Greek name of a Bactrian noblewoman who was the daughter of Oxyartes of Bactria (not Sogdiana) and the official wife of Alexander the Great. Roxane is the name of Cyrano’s love in the famous French play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Roshan into their naming traditions. A child named Roshan will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Roshan is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.