Magneto-resistive random access memory elements include a ferromagnetic layer having uniaxial anisotropy provided by elongate structures formed in the ferromagnetic film. The magnetic dipole aligns with the long axis of each structure. The structures can be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the ferromagnetic film can be applied to a seed layer having a textured surface. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic film can be stressed to generate the textured structure. Chemical mechanical polishing also can be used to generated the structures.