What does Susan mean and where does it come from?
The name Susan comes from the Hebrew name שׁוֹשַׁנָּה (Shoshannah), which means 'lily.' It gained popularity in the Middle Ages in Europe. In the 20th century, it became a common name in English-speaking countries. Famous people with this name include actress Susan Sarandon and author Susan Collins.
Cultural significance
Susan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1957 — currently #1104 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Susan?
Susan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Susan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Susan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Susan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Susan Claire
French influence · crisp
Susan Jane
Literary · strong
Susan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Susan right now?
Rising fast — up 52 spots — currently #1104 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1104 | 223 | ▲ up 52 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1156 | 211 | ▼ down 59 · -7% births |
| 2021 | #1097 | 226 | ▼ down 95 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #1002 | 251 | ▼ down 78 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #924 | 296 | ▼ down 145 · -16% births |
| 2010 | #779 | 353 | ▼ down 189 · -27% births |
| 2005 | #590 | 481 | ▼ down 176 · -30% births |
| 2000 | #414 | 684 | ▼ down 102 · -23% births |
| 1995 | #312 | 894 | ▼ down 140 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #172 | 1,687 | ▼ down 67 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #105 | 2,662 | ▼ down 43 · -43% births |
| 1980 | #62 | 4,703 | ▼ down 30 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #32 | 7,486 | ▼ down 17 · -52% births |
| 1970 | #15 | 15,738 | ▼ down 10 · -40% births |
| 1965 | #5 | 26,328 | — |
The story of Susan
Susan has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1957, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1125K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #80 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1104 in 2023. Susan is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Susan in 1957:
Susan by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,231 | |
| 1890s | 3,617 | |
| 1900s | 3,448 | |
| 1910s | 6,819 | |
| 1920s | 8,414 | |
| 1930s | 21,116 | |
| 1940s | 212,522 | |
| 1950s ★ | 438,432 | |
| 1960s | 288,364 | |
| 1970s | 88,633 | |
| 1980s | 30,703 | |
| 1990s | 10,904 | |
| 2000s | 5,259 | |
| 2010s | 3,026 | |
| 2020s | 251 | |
What are good nicknames for Susan?
ENGLISH
SueSukieSusieSuziSuzieSuzyZanna
What names sound and feel like Susan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Susan also consider these
How is Susan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Susan
What does the name Susan mean?
Susan means "lily" — a name rooted in American 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 Susan?
Susan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Susan?
Susan originates from American tradition. American 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 Susan?
Susan is a two-syllable name pronounced S UW1 Z AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Susan a common or rare name?
Susan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.