“lily” — Symbolizes purity and beauty in various c
English origin · Unisex name
♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls
#1522US 2023
678Births / yr
→Stable
145kAll-time births
📅 Since 1880🏆 12 years in top 1000.33% of births at peak
How to pronounce Sue
SOO
/ˈsuː/ · stress on SOO · 1 syllable
“lily”
Symbolizes purity and beauty in various c · English origin
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.
Holding steady — currently #1522 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#1522 · Top 1.1%
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2021
2022
2023
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
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Sue
1945Rank #66
4,010
#1446
↘Falling
1900 - 202327 years
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.
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.
Sibling names that pair with Sue
For a sister
Sue & Kimberly♡
Sue & Jane♡
Sue & Jay♡
Sue & Franklin♡
For a brother
Sue & James♡
Sue & Jack♡
Sue & Jane♡
Sue & Jay♡
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