Susan

Pronunciation: [ s-OOZ-uhn ]

Girl Name #1,137 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A timeless classic that defined a generation

English American Australian

Classic Traditional Vintage Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"lily"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

"rose, flower"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Arabic

The Story of Susan

Susan derives from the Hebrew Shoshana, meaning lily or rose. The name traveled through Greek as Sousanna, then Latin as Susanna, before settling as Susan in English. It appears in the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders in the deuterocanonical Book of Daniel, which spread the name throughout Christendom during the early Christian era.

Susan was the number one most popular name in the United States in 1947 and 1948, riding the postwar baby boom. Approximately 900,000 American women were named Susan during the 1950s alone, making it a defining name of the baby boomer generation.

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906), the pioneering suffragist, made this name synonymous with American women's rights. In literature, Susan Pevensie is one of the four children in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. The name's peak coincided with postwar American optimism.

Fun Facts

Susan was the number one baby name in the US in 1947 and 1948
Approximately 900,000 American women were named Susan during the 1950s alone
The name appears in the biblical Book of Daniel as a virtuous woman falsely accused by corrupt elders

Susan in Other Languages

Arabic Sawsan

French Suzanne

German Susanne

Russian Susanna

Spanish Susana

Famous People Named Susan

Susan Sarandon

Actor

1946

Academy Award-winning American actress known for Thelma and Louise and Dead Man Walking

Susan B. Anthony

Activist

1820

American suffragist and civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement and appeared on...

American suffragist and civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement and appeared on the US dollar coin

Susan Pevensie Fictional

Other

One of the four Pevensie children in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, known as Susan the Gentle

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,137
Total SSA Count: 213
Cultural Origins: English American Australian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Susanna #1352 Susana #2325 Susannah #2715

Common Nicknames

Sue Susie Suze

Pairs Well With

Susan Marie Susan Elizabeth Susan Claire Susan Ann Susan Louise Susan Jane Susan Kay

Sibling Names

Barbara Linda Patricia Michael David Robert Margaret

Also a Boy Name

Susan is also used as a boy name, ranked #28283.

View Susan as a boy name →

Similar Names

Susanna Rosanna Suzanne Susannah Suzanna Shoshana Hosanna Cypress

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Frequently Asked Questions About Susan

What does the name Susan mean?

"lily" (from Hebrew). "rose, flower" (from Hebrew). Susan derives from the Hebrew Shoshana, meaning lily or rose. The name traveled through Greek as Sousanna, then Latin as Susanna, before settling as Susan in English. It appears in the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders in the deuterocanonical Book of Daniel, which spread the name throughout Christendom during the early Christian era.

What is the origin of the name Susan?

Susan has Hebrew, English, American, and Australian origins. In Hebrew, it means "lily". In Hebrew, it means "rose, flower".

Is Susan a boy or girl name?

Susan is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1137. As a boy name, it is ranked #28283. Susan is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Susan?

Susan is pronounced s-OOZ-uhn.

How popular is the name Susan?

Susan is currently ranked #1137 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Susan?

Common nicknames for Susan include Sue, Susie, and Suze.

What are good middle names for Susan?

Popular middle name pairings include Susan Marie, Susan Elizabeth, Susan Claire, Susan Ann, Susan Louise, Susan Jane, and Susan Kay.

What are good sibling names for Susan?

Names that pair well with Susan as siblings include Barbara, Linda, Patricia, Michael, David, Robert, and Margaret.

How many syllables does Susan have?

Susan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Susan a common or rare name?

Susan is an uncommon name, ranked #1137 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Susan

Susan is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "lily" in Hebrew .

Is Susan a boy or girl name? Susan is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,137 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,283. Susan is more commonly used as a girl name.

Susan is currently ranked #1,137 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Susan has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-OOZ-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Susan include Sue, Susie, and Suze. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Susan include Susanna, Susana, Susannah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.