"rose"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Susanna
Pronunciation: [ s-ooz-AN-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,352 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A biblical lily-name with centuries of artistic legacy
English
Italian
Spanish
Biblical
Hebrew
Classic
Elegant
Vintage
Literary
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Susanna
Susanna comes from the Hebrew Shoshannah, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' The name appears in the Biblical Book of Daniel in the story of Susanna and the Elders — a virtuous woman falsely accused who is saved by the young prophet Daniel. The name spread through the Christian world via the New Testament, where Susanna is one of the women who accompanied Jesus and supported his ministry.
Susanna has never been a chart-topper but has maintained quiet, steady use for centuries. It is the rarer variant of the more common Susannah and Susan, giving it an Italian or Continental flavor that appeals to parents who want the classic sound with a distinctive spelling.
The story of Susanna (and the Elders) has inspired famous paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Artemisia Gentileschi — the latter celebrated for her empathetic portrayal of a woman standing firm against false accusation.
Fun Facts
- Susanna and the Elders is one of the most painted biblical scenes in Western art history
- The flower 'black-eyed Susan' takes its name from the human name, not the other way around
Susanna in Other Languages
Arabic
سوسنة
French
Suzanne
German
Susanne
Hebrew
שׁוֹשַׁנָּה (Shoshannah)
Italian
Susanna
Spanish
Susana
Famous People Named Susanna
S
Susanna Clarke
Writer
1959
British author of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, one of the most acclaimed fantasy novels of the 21st century
S
Susanna (Biblical)
Religious
Virtuous woman in the Book of Daniel whose story of false accusation became a celebrated tale of justice and faith
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,352
- Total SSA Count
- 168
- Cultural Origins
- English Italian Spanish Biblical Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sue
Susie
Suze
Anna
Sanna
Pairs Well With
Susanna Rose
Susanna Claire
Susanna Elise
Susanna Marie
Susanna Jane
Susanna Elizabeth
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Susanna
What does the name Susanna mean?
"rose" (from Hebrew). Susanna comes from the Hebrew Shoshannah, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' The name appears in the Biblical Book of Daniel in the story of Susanna and the Elders — a virtuous woman falsely accused who is saved by the young prophet Daniel. The name spread through the Christian world via the New Testament, where Susanna is one of the women who accompanied Jesus and supported his ministry.
What is the origin of the name Susanna?
Susanna has Hebrew, English, Italian, Spanish, and Biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "rose".
Is Susanna a boy or girl name?
Susanna is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Susanna?
Susanna is pronounced s-ooz-AN-uh.
How popular is the name Susanna?
Susanna is currently ranked #1352 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Susanna?
Common nicknames for Susanna include Sue, Susie, Suze, Anna, and Sanna.
What are good middle names for Susanna?
Popular middle name pairings include Susanna Rose, Susanna Claire, Susanna Elise, Susanna Marie, Susanna Jane, and Susanna Elizabeth.
What are good sibling names for Susanna?
Names that pair well with Susanna as siblings include Arabella, Edmund, Cordelia, Sebastian, Helena, and Julian.
How many syllables does Susanna have?
Susanna has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Susanna a common or rare name?
Susanna is an uncommon name, ranked #1352 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Susanna
Susanna is a girl name with English, Italian, Spanish, Biblical, and Hebrew origins . The name means "rose" in Hebrew .
Susanna is currently ranked #1,352 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Susanna has 3 syllables and is pronounced s-ooz-AN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Susanna include Sue, Susie, Suze, Anna, and Sanna. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Susanna include Susan, Susana, Susannah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.