What does Sue mean and where does it come from?
Sue is traditionally a diminutive of the name Susan, which has Hebrew origins - שושנה (Shoshannah), meaning 'lily'. The name became popular in English-speaking countries in the 19th century, and it became a standalone name by the mid-20th century. The 'lily' symbolizes purity and beauty in various c
Cultural significance
Sue has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily.
Peak popularity
Reached #61 in 1946 — currently #1522 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sue?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sue?
Sue works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sue Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sue Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sue Claire
French influence · crisp
Sue Jane
Literary · strong
Sue Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sue right now?
Holding steady — currently #1522 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1522 | 678 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1527 | 658 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1532 | 628 | ▲ up 6902 · +4731% births |
| 2015 | #8434 | 13 | ▼ down 1217 · -24% births |
| 2010 | #7217 | 17 | ▼ down 1419 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #5798 | 21 | ▼ down 2208 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #3590 | 36 | ▼ down 968 · -23% births |
| 1995 | #2622 | 47 | ▼ down 742 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #1880 | 75 | ▼ down 824 · -46% births |
| 1985 | #1056 | 140 | ▼ down 512 · -59% births |
| 1980 | #544 | 345 | ▲ up 22 · +18% births |
| 1975 | #566 | 293 | ▼ down 199 · -56% births |
| 1970 | #367 | 664 | ▼ down 177 · -63% births |
| 1965 | #190 | 1,775 | ▼ down 70 · -56% births |
| 1960 | #120 | 4,010 | — |
The story of Sue
Sue has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #61 in 1946. More than 145,003 babies have been named Sue since 1880. Once ranked #190 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1522 in 2023. Sue is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sue in 1946:
Sue by decade
Sue peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 918 | |
| 1890s | 1,326 | |
| 1900s | 1,774 | |
| 1910s | 6,098 | |
| 1920s | 7,083 | |
| 1930s | 19,586 | |
| 1940s ★ | 41,081 | |
| 1950s | 38,926 | |
| 1960s | 21,644 | |
| 1970s | 3,835 | |
| 1980s | 1,768 | |
| 1990s | 581 | |
| 2000s | 237 | |
| 2010s | 146 | |
What are good nicknames for Sue?
What names sound and feel like Sue?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sue also consider these
How is Sue written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Sue
What does the name Sue mean?
Sue means "lily" — a name rooted in English 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 Sue?
Sue is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Sue?
Sue originates from English tradition. English 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 Sue?
Sue is a one-syllable name pronounced S UW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Sue sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Sue flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Sue ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.