A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sue since 1880
Babies named Sue per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 918 |
| 1890s | 1,326 |
| 1900s | 1,774 |
| 1910s | 6,091 |
| 1920s | 7,073 |
| 1930s | 19,507 |
| 1940s | 40,943 |
| 1950s | 38,852 |
| 1960s | 21,601 |
| 1970s | 3,823 |
| 1980s | 1,678 |
| 1990s | 522 |
| 2000s | 238 |
| 2010s | 147 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Sue is a name that peaked in the mid-20th century, reaching its highest rank in 1946, when it was a common choice for baby girls. After decades of decline, it has seen a slight revival, rising since 2021. In 2025, it ranked 8860th, with approximately 1 in 146,115 newborns named Sue. Originally a diminutive of Susan or Susanna, Sue has long been used as an independent given name in English-speaking countries. Its simple, one-syllable sound gives it a friendly, approachable feel. While it never achieved the top ranks of names like Mary or Jane, Sue was a staple in mid-century America, popular in both rural and urban areas. The name's trajectory shows renewed interest, likely driven by vintage name trends and a preference for short, classic names.
Sue originated as a diminutive or nickname for Susan or Susanna, names that come from the Hebrew Shoshannah, meaning 'lily' or 'rose'. It gained independent use as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States. Its popularity peaked in the 1940s and 1950s.
Where Sue is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Sue
Names that share Sue's style, for a brother or sister.
