"rose"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Shoshana
Does Shoshana flow with your last name?
An ancient Hebrew blossom meaning lily
Jewish
Israeli
American
Spiritual
Traditional
Elegant
Literary
Vintage
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The Story of Shoshana
Shoshana is the original Hebrew form of Susan, derived from the Hebrew word for lily. It appears in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in the Book of Daniel where Susanna (Shoshana) is the virtuous heroine who resists false accusations. The name's floral meaning connects it to the Song of Songs, where the lily symbolizes beauty and purity.
Shoshana has maintained steady use in Jewish communities worldwide and has seen modest crossover appeal in the US. Characters in shows like Girls and the Israeli drama Unorthodox have kept it on modern parents' radar as a name that is traditional yet distinctive.
In Jewish tradition, Shoshana is beloved for its biblical roots and its connection to the lily, a symbol of purity. It represents continuity with ancient Hebrew naming traditions while remaining pronounceable in English-speaking countries.
Historical Record
Shoshana first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,550 babies have been named Shoshana in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shoshana is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,792 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Shoshana is the original Hebrew source of the English name Susan, via Greek Sousanna and Latin Susanna
- The name appears in the Book of Daniel as Susanna, a model of virtue and courage
Shoshana in Other Languages
Arabic
شوشانا
French
Suzanne
German
Susanne
Hebrew
שׁוֹשַׁנָּה
Spanish
Susana
Popularity Over Time
#1,792
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Shoshana
S
Shoshana Bean
Musician
1977
American Broadway actress and singer known for roles in Wicked and other major musicals
S
Shoshanna Shapiro Fictional
Other
Fictional character from HBO's Girls, portrayed by Zosia Mamet, known for her quirky and earnest personality
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Compare Shoshana with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,792
- Total SSA Count
- 112
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Shoshi
Shosh
Ana
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shoshana
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shoshana
What does the name Shoshana mean?
"rose" (from Hebrew). Shoshana is the original Hebrew form of Susan, derived from the Hebrew word for lily. It appears in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in the Book of Daniel where Susanna (Shoshana) is the virtuous heroine who resists false accusations. The name's floral meaning connects it to the Song of Songs, where the lily symbolizes beauty and purity.
What is the origin of the name Shoshana?
Shoshana has Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "rose".
Is Shoshana a boy or girl name?
Shoshana is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Shoshana?
Shoshana is currently ranked #1792 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shoshana?
Common nicknames for Shoshana include Shoshi, Shosh, and Ana.
What are good middle names for Shoshana?
Popular middle name pairings include Shoshana Ruth, Shoshana Miriam, Shoshana Leah, Shoshana Sarah, Shoshana Rachel, Shoshana Esther, and Shoshana Naomi.
What are good sibling names for Shoshana?
Names that pair well with Shoshana as siblings include Miriam, Devorah, Rivka, Yaakov, Avi, Leah, and Ezra.
How many syllables does Shoshana have?
Shoshana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Shoshana a common or rare name?
Shoshana is an uncommon name, ranked #1792 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Shoshana
Shoshana is a girl name with Jewish, Israeli, and American origins . The name means "rose" in Hebrew .
Shoshana is currently ranked #1,792 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Shoshana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Shoshana include Shoshi, Shosh, and Ana. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis