Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Susan has its origins in Hebrew, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' It evolved through various languages and forms, including Shoshannah, Susanna, and finally Susan in English. Its biblical relevance adds to its historical significance. Although its popularity has waned in recent years, it remains a classic name associated with warmth and friendliness.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈsuːzən/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Susan is derived from the Hebrew name Shoshannah, which means 'lily' or 'rose.' It has been used in various forms across different cultures.
Meaning
Lily, rose
Language Evolution
Shoshannah (Hebrew), Susanna (Latin), Susanna (Greek), Susan (English)
Biblical Background
The name appears in the Bible as Susanna, a woman mentioned in the Gospel of Luke who was a follower of Jesus.
Historical Usage
The name Susan gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 16th century and reached its peak in the mid-20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Susanna, Susie, Sue
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Susan is viewed as a classic name that evokes a sense of tradition. While it has seen a decline in popularity, it still carries a warm and friendly image.
Famous People
Susan B. Anthony, an American social reformer and women's rights activist., Susan Sarandon, an acclaimed American actress., Susan Boyle, a Scottish singer who gained fame through a reality show.
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 47,484 peak births in 1955
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (11 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 11 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6451st of 7545 | 11 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1567th of 6773 | 366 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 877th of 7552 | 1,345 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1360th of 10718 | 632 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4538th of 16616 | 166 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 22197th of 24088 | 7 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 215th of 9107 | 16,573 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 45th of 9204 | 100,812 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4th of 12526 | 749,682 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 17th of 19264 | 202,682 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 134th of 27321 | 34,464 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 542nd of 35406 | 8,624 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1016th of 30306 | 3,142 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
57.76% 893rd/1546 |
48.52% 755th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
35.16% 783rd/2227 |
26.05% 633rd/2430 |
58.60% 1672nd/2853 |
28.86% 801st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
43.85% 1288th/2937 |
34.68% 1208th/3483 |
57.82% 2034th/3518 |
38.48% 1556th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
55.42% 3501st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
15.25% 216th/1416 |
10.37% 143rd/1379 |
11.20% 265th/2366 |
21.19% 242nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
2.46% 38th/1546 |
2.38% 37th/1556 |
5.23% 123rd/2353 |
1.68% 26th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
0.13% 3rd/2227 |
0.12% 3rd/2430 |
0.32% 9th/2853 |
0.11% 3rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.58% 17th/2937 |
0.29% 10th/3483 |
0.60% 21st/3518 |
0.67% 27th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.53% 130th/3685 |
2.57% 115th/4475 |
2.87% 149th/5194 |
2.72% 172nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.80% 495th/4582 |
7.82% 404th/5164 |
8.52% 623rd/7313 |
8.05% 601st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
21.23% 846th/3984 |
15.96% 716th/4487 |
17.33% 1182nd/6822 |
19.18% 1204th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Rhode Island across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6451st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1567th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 877th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1360th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4538th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22197th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20190th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 215th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 45th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 17th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 134th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 542nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1016th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.