What does Shoshanah mean and where does it come from?
Shoshanah (שושנה) is a Hebrew name that means 'lily,' symbolizing purity and beauty. The name has rich biblical references and is commonly found in Jewish tradition. It often signifies hope and renewal, as the lily flower blooms in spring. It is a beloved name in Israel and among Jewish communities
Cultural significance
Shoshanah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily.
Peak popularity
Reached #6169 in 1984 — currently #667 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shoshanah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shoshanah?
Shoshanah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shoshanah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shoshanah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shoshanah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shoshanah Claire
French influence · crisp
Shoshanah Jane
Literary · strong
Shoshanah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shoshanah right now?
Holding steady — currently #667 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #667 | 1,533 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #672 | 1,513 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #677 | 1,483 | ▲ up 14302 · +24617% births |
| 2005 | #14979 | 6 | ▼ down 5554 · -40% births |
| 2000 | #9425 | 10 | ▲ up 448 · +25% births |
| 1995 | #9873 | 8 | ▲ up 3833 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #13706 | 5 | ▼ down 2439 |
| 1980 | #11267 | 5 | ▼ down 4876 · -44% births |
| 1975 | #6391 | 9 | — |
The story of Shoshanah
Shoshanah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 193 total births recorded, Shoshanah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6391 in 1975 to #667 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shoshanah in 1984:
Shoshanah by decade
Shoshanah peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 26 | |
| 1980s | 33 | |
| 1990s ★ | 79 | |
| 2000s | 45 | |
| 2010s | 10 | |
💎Shoshanah has only 193 total recorded births since 1971 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shoshanah?
What names sound and feel like Shoshanah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shoshanah also consider these
Common questions about the name Shoshanah
What does the name Shoshanah mean?
Shoshanah means "lily" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Shoshanah?
Shoshanah is currently ranked #667 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shoshanah?
Shoshanah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Shoshanah?
Shoshanah is a three-syllable name pronounced SH OW1 SH AE1 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Shoshanah?
Shoshanah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.