There is a quiet strength to the name Susan. While some might dismiss it as a “mom name” from the 1960s, a closer look reveals a moniker that is botanically beautiful, historically rich, and refreshingly unpretentious. Unlike the flowery, elaborate names currently trending (like Isabella or Olivia), Susan is sturdy, symmetrical, and straightforward. It has a vintage “girl next door” vibe that is beginning to feel cool again, much like high-waisted jeans or vinyl records.
Derived from ancient languages to mean “lily” or “lotus,” Susan carries a hidden elegance. It bridges the gap between the soft, floral names of the Victorian era and the sensible names of the mid-century. It is a name that has been worn by queens, suffragettes, and Hollywood icons alike.
Verdict: Susan is the perfect choice for parents in 2025 who want to zig while others zag. It is a “Goldilocks” name: recognizable but currently rare in nurseries, ensuring your daughter will likely be the only Susan in her kindergarten class. If you are looking for a name that is familiar, easy to spell, but distinctively underused today, Susan is a hidden gem waiting to be polished.
Susan Overview
Susan Summary
- Meaning: The name Susan means “lily” or “lotus flower.”
- Gender: Susan is a predominantly feminine name.
- Origin: Scholars believe Susan’s origin is the Egyptian word “zššn.” It was later adopted by the Hebrew language and became Shoshana.
- Pronunciation: “SOO-zuhn.”
- Popularity: The name Susan is relatively popular, and ranked as the 979th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2021.
- Nicknames: Anne, Snoozy, Sookie, Sue, Suzi, Zuzu.
- Variations: Kabul, Shoshana, Sosana, Susen, Swasan, Zuzanna.
- Namesakes: Susan Aho, Susan Dey, Susan Wojcicki.
What Does Susan Mean?
At its heart, the name Susan is a botanical name. It means “lily” in Persian and Hebrew. However, its roots go even deeper into antiquity, meaning “lotus flower” in Egyptian (1).
Because of this meaning, the name is often associated with purity, innocence, and rebirth, qualities traditionally symbolized by the white lily in Christian art and the lotus in Eastern traditions. Unlike modern flower names like “Daisy” or “Rose,” which are literal, Susan carries the floral meaning as a hidden secret.
Where Does the Name Susan Come From?
The etymological journey of Susan is a fascinating trip through the ancient world. Scholars believe Susan’s ultimate origin is the Egyptian word “zššn” (seshen), which was the phonetic sound for the lotus flower hieroglyph. In ancient Egypt, names derived from this word were actually used for both men and women.
The name traveled across borders and languages over centuries:
- Coptic Egypt: During the 7th Century Rashidun conquest, the sound morphed into “šōšen.”
- Hebrew: The Hebrew language adopted the word as “Shoshan” or “Shoshana,” referring to a lily or a rose (2).
- Greek & Latin: It evolved into “Sousanna” in the Greek New Testament and “Susanna” in Latin.
- English: The name arrived in England around the Middle Ages but became truly widespread after the Protestant Reformation, eventually shortening to the snappy, two-syllable “Susan.”
The name is also biblically significant. Shoshana appears in the Book of Daniel (in the Apocrypha) as a woman falsely accused of adultery who is saved by Daniel’s wisdom (3). In the New Testament, distinct from the Apocrypha, Susanna is listed in the Gospel of Luke as one of the women who ministered to Jesus.
How Popular is the Name Susan?
If you look at the last century of data, the trajectory of Susan is a roller coaster. It was an absolute powerhouse of a name in the mid-20th century. From 1957 to 1965, Susan was the #2 most popular girl’s name in the entire United States, sitting just behind Mary and later Lisa.
However, the laws of name fashion dictate that what goes up must come down. After its massive popularity in the 50s and 60s, it began a slow decline. It was still a Top 100 name until the mid-1980s, but it has since cooled off significantly.
Today, Susan is considered a “rare gem.” It ranked 979th in 2021, hovering right on the edge of the Top 1000 (4). This drop in popularity is actually a positive for modern parents; it means the name is familiar to everyone but used by almost no one, guaranteeing your child a unique identity among the sea of Avas and Emmas.
How Do I Pronounce Susan?
The standard American English pronunciation is SOO-zuhn. It places the emphasis on the first syllable.
In some dialects, the “s” in the middle is softer, sounding more like “SOO-san,” but the “z” sound (SOO-zuhn) is the predominant pronunciation in the US and UK.
Is Susan a Boy or Girl Name?
In modern usage, Susan is exclusively a feminine name. While its ancient Egyptian root word may have been unisex, for the last two millennia, all variations (Susanna, Shoshana, Suzanne) have been strictly female.
Variations of Susan
Because this name appears in religious texts that traveled the globe, almost every language has its own beautiful spin on it. If Susan feels too plain, consider these international variations:
- Shoshana (Hebrew)
- Suzanne (French)
- Susanna (Italian/Latin)
- Zsuzsanna (Hungarian)
- Sanna (Scandinavian/Short form)
- Sosana (Greek)
- Sousan (Persian)
- Zuzanna (Polish/Latvian)
- Swasan (Arabic)
- Sūzan (Japanese)
- Sausan (Bengali)
- Kabul (Urdu – distinct derivation)
Nicknames for Susan
While “Sue” is the classic standby, it can feel a bit dated. Fortunately, Susan offers several adorable, spunky, and creative nicknames that feel fresh for 2025.
- Zuzu: Made famous by the daughter in the film It’s a Wonderful Life, this is a spunky, energetic choice.
- Sukie: A vintage British diminutive that feels quirky and cool.
- Sookie: Familiar to fans of Gilmore Girls or True Blood.
- Sunny: A cheerful option derived from the “Su” sound.
- Susie/Suzi: The classic energetic cheerleader vibe.
- Sue: The traditional short form.
- Anne: A clever twist, taking the end of the name rather than the beginning.
Names Similar to Susan
If you love the vibe of Susan, classic, unpretentious, and feminine, but it isn’t quite “the one,” consider these alternatives with a similar spirit.
Botanical and Earthy Names:
- Daphne: Like Susan, this is a classic Greek name with nature roots (Laurel).
- Rue: A short, sweet botanical name.
- Heather: A flower name that had its own peak popularity moment.
- Rhoda: Meaning “rose,” it shares the Greek/New Testament vintage feel.
- Madelief: Dutch for “daisy,” offering a unique twist.
Mid-Century Classics Ready for Revival:
- Helen: A sturdy classic meaning “bright, shining light.”
- Nancy: A sweet, approachable name that was often paired with Susan.
- Judith: A strong biblical name with the cute nickname Judy.
- Diana: Royal, timeless, and feminine.
- Margaret: Offers a similar wealth of nicknames (Maggie, Daisy, Maisie).
Middle Names for Susan
Because Susan is a two-syllable name with the emphasis on the front, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of middle names. We have categorized these to help you find your specific style.
The Classic & Timeless
These names anchor Susan in tradition, creating a name that sounds royal and dignified.
The Modern & Spunky
Give the vintage Susan a fresh, contemporary twist with these punchy middle names.
The Floral & Whimsical
Lean into the “Lily” meaning of Susan by pairing it with other nature-inspired choices.
Sibling Names for Susan
If you are building a sibset, you want names that stand up to Susan’s sturdy, classic nature without clashing.
For a Brother
Boys’ names that pair well with Susan tend to be traditional, biblical, or mid-century favorites.
- Peter: A perfect mid-century match that feels timeless.
- David: A beloved biblical classic.
- Thomas: Reliable, historical, and gentle.
- Arthur: Old-school vintage that is currently very stylish.
- Timothy: Shares that friendly, familiar vibe.
- Daniel: A subtle nod to the biblical story of Susanna and Daniel.
For a Sister
Sister names should share Susan’s femininity without being too frilly.
- Mary: The ultimate classic pairing.
- Sarah: Biblical, simple, and elegant.
- Alice: A sweet, vintage choice that is popular today.
- Caroline: Has the same dignified structure as Susan.
- Lucy: Short, sweet, and beloved.
- Clara: A vintage name that has made a major comeback.
Famous People Named Susan
One of the benefits of this name is the incredible roster of role models associated with it. It is a name of activists, artists, and leaders.
- Susan B. Anthony: The iconic American social reformer and women’s rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement.
- Susan Sarandon: The Academy Award-winning actress known for Thelma & Louise and her political activism.
- Susan Hayward: A glamorous leading lady of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
- Susan Sontag: A renowned American writer, philosopher, and political activist.
- Susan Wojcicki: A powerful tech executive and long-time CEO of YouTube.
- Susan Boyle: The Scottish singer who became a global phenomenon with her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.”
Susan in Pop Culture
Susan has appeared in countless stories, often representing characters who are sensible, kind, or secretly powerful.
- Susan Pevensie: “Queen Susan the Gentle” from C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. She is known for her practicality and archery skills.
- Susan Storm: The “Invisible Woman” from Marvel’s Fantastic Four; she is the powerful matriarch of the team.
- Susan Mayer: The charming and clumsy illustrator portrayed by Teri Hatcher in Desperate Housewives.
- Susan Bones: A Hufflepuff student in the Harry Potter series.
- Susan Robinson: A character on the beloved children’s show Sesame Street for many years.
- Dr. Susan Lewis: A main character in the long-running medical drama ER.
FAQs About the Name Susan
Still have questions about this classic name? Here are some answers to common queries.
Is Susan an Old-Fashioned Name?
Yes, Susan is considered an old-fashioned name, but in the best way possible. While it peaked in the 1950s, names tend to follow a “100-year rule,” often coming back into style after a century. Susan feels vintage and warm, similar to names like Evelyn or Millie, but it hasn’t been overused by the current generation of parents yet.
How Popular Is the Name Susan in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, Susan has followed a similar trajectory to the US. It was a top favorite mid-century but has become very rare. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that in some recent years, there were fewer than three babies named Susan born in England and Wales, marking it as a truly unique choice for a modern British baby (5).
When Was the Name Susan First Used?
The name has ancient roots, but the English spelling “Susan” appears in records as early as the Medieval period. For example, “The Register of the Guild of the Holy Trinity” in Coventry records the name Susan as early as 1340. It became common in England after the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
Is There a Flower Called Susan?
Yes! The “Black-eyed Susan” (Rudbeckia hirta) is a famous North American wildflower. It is a daisy-like flower with bright yellow petals and a dark brown or black center. This adds a lovely, rugged, and cheerful nature association to the name, perfect for a summer baby.
Is Susan a Biblical Name?
Yes and no. The form “Susan” is the English modernization. The name “Susanna” appears in the Gospel of Luke (8:3) as one of the women who provided for Jesus and his disciples. Additionally, the story of Susanna and the Elders is a famous text in the Apocrypha (included in Catholic and Orthodox bibles), where she is a heroine of virtue and truth.
What Does the Nickname Sukie Mean?
Sukie (sometimes spelled Suki) is a traditional English diminutive of Susan or Susanna. It was particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It shouldn’t be confused with the Japanese name “Suki,” which means “beloved,” though the pronunciation is very similar.
How Do You Spell Susan in French?
The French variation of the name is spelled Suzanne. It is usually pronounced “soo-ZAN” with the emphasis on the second syllable. This spelling was actually quite popular in the US in the mid-20th century alongside the standard Susan.
Why Is Susan Considered a “Mom Name”?
Susan is often labeled a “mom name” (or even “grandma name”) because of its immense popularity during the Baby Boom generation (1946, 1964). Because so many women born in the 50s and 60s were named Susan, it became strongly associated with that specific age group. However, as that generation ages, the name is starting to shed that image and is becoming ripe for a vintage revival for babies.
