Susannah

Susannah is a feminine given name that originated from the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning “lily” or “rose.” The name entered the English-speaking world through the Latin and Greek forms, Socantha and Susanna, and was popularized by the biblical character Susannah, who appears in the Book of Daniel. In the New Testament, a woman named Susanna is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, though the reference is brief.

The name gained widespread popularity in the Tudor and Stuart periods in England, where it appeared on parish registers in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the United States, Susannah maintained a steady presence throughout the 19th century, with a surge during the Victorian era when biblical and classical names were fashionable. In the early 20th century the name fell out of favor, only to experience a modest revival in the late 20th century due to its classic sound and literary associations.

Variations of Susannah include Susanna, Suzanne, Sonja, and Xenia in different languages. Spelling variants such as Susanoe and Susannah appear in literary works, while the shortened form Susie is common as a nickname.

Numerous notable individuals bear the name, including Susannah of the Kingdom (Susannah of Heaven), a pseudonym for the early 19th-century theological writer; Susannah Hill, a New Zealand folk singer; Susannah K. and Susannah L., prominent 20th‑century Canadian educators; and Susannah Lescar, a British historian of mathematics. Fictionally, Susannah is used for character names in novels, films, and television series, often chosen to convey an elegant or sincere persona.

In sum, Susannah is a historic and enduring feminine name, revered for its biblical roots, botanical meaning, and broad cultural presence across centuries and continents.