Susan
Susan is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Lily or lotus.
Origin and history
Susan is derived from the Hebrew name Shoshannah, which originally meant lily or rose. It was an extremely popular name in the United States during the mid-20th century, ranking among the top feminine names for decades. Although its usage for newborns has declined significantly in recent years, it remains a quintessential classic.
Popularity in the United States
1,123,481 babies in the United States have been named Susan since 1880. It ranks #8 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1014.
States where it is most popular
- NY (11 %)
- CA (8.3 %)
- PA (7.4 %)
- IL (6.3 %)
- OH (5.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 3,231 |
| 1890-1900 | 3,612 |
| 1900-1910 | 3,447 |
| 1910-1920 | 6,814 |
| 1920-1930 | 8,408 |
| 1930-1940 | 21,028 |
| 1940-1950 | 212,016 |
| 1950-1960 | 437,774 |
| 1960-1970 | 287,666 |
| 1970-1980 | 88,308 |
| 1980-1990 | 30,549 |
| 1990-2000 | 10,893 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,323 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,051 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,361 |
Famous people named Susan
- Susan Sarandon: Actress, Activist
- Susan B. Anthony: Social Reformer, Suffragist
- Susan Sontag: Writer, Philosopher
Nicknames
Sue, Susie, Suzy, Suzi
Fun facts
- The Hebrew name Shoshannah likely traces back to the ancient Egyptian word 'sšn', meaning lotus flower.
- Susan was one of the top five most popular names for girls in the United States throughout the 1950s.