Susanna

Susanna is a female given name of Hebrew origin, derived from Shoshannah, meaning lily. The name entered Christian tradition through the Bible and spread widely across Europe, where it acquired various forms in different languages. In English, common spellings include Susanna and Susannah, with equivalents such as Susanne and Suzanne in French and German, Susana in Spanish and Portuguese, and Susanna in Italian. Diminutives and variants include Susie, Sanna, and Suzy, among others.

The name has been used in a wide range of cultures and languages, often reflecting local pronunciation and orthography. It remains in contemporary use in many countries and appears in literature, film, and public life. Variants are often chosen to reflect cultural heritage or familial preference, contributing to its enduring presence in onomastic practice.

Notable people with the name include Susanna Clarke, English author known for Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell; Susanna Kaysen, American writer famous for Girl, Interrupted; Susanna Hoffs, American musician and member of the Bangles; Susanna Reid, British television presenter; and Susanna Tamaro, Italian author. These individuals illustrate the name’s broad adoption across fields such as literature, music, and media.

In biblical and literary contexts, Susanna refers to a heroine in the deuterocanonical additions to the Book of Daniel, portrayed as a virtuous woman who is falsely accused by two elders and later vindicated. The name appears in various works of fiction and serves as a recognizable given name across many languages and eras.