Declining since 1985, #1,085 for girls today.
Popularity of Susan since 1880
Babies named Susan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,231 |
| 1890s | 3,612 |
| 1900s | 3,447 |
| 1910s | 6,814 |
| 1920s | 8,408 |
| 1930s | 21,028 |
| 1940s | 212,016 |
| 1950s | 437,774 |
| 1960s | 287,666 |
| 1970s | 88,308 |
| 1980s | 30,549 |
| 1990s | 10,893 |
| 2000s | 5,323 |
| 2010s | 3,051 |
| 2020s | 1,361 |
Meaning & origin
Susan ranked 1085 in the United States in 2025, representing about 1 in every 7,240 girls. This places it in the lower tier of name usage today, a significant shift from its peak in 1954, when it was among the most popular names in the country. The name has been on a falling trajectory since 1985, reflecting broader shifts in naming trends from traditional to more contemporary choices. Historically, Susan has been especially prevalent in states like Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Ohio. While its current usage is modest, Susan remains a recognizable classic with deep roots in Hebrew and biblical tradition.
Susan is the English form of Susanna, which originates from the Hebrew name Shoshannah (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה), meaning 'lily' or 'rose'. The name appears in the biblical Apocrypha in the story of Susanna and the Elders, as well as in the New Testament among the women who ministered to Jesus. It entered English usage after the Protestant Reformation and became common in the 18th century, with the short form Susan eventually overtaking Susanna in popularity. By the 20th century, Susan was one of the most widely used feminine names in the English-speaking world, peaking in the mid-1950s.
Where Susan 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
Nicknames: Sue, Susie, Suzy, Suzie
Variants: Susanna, Susannah, Suzanne, Suzanna, Susana, Susanne
Sibling names for Susan
Names that share Susan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Deborah, Linda, Patricia, Karen, Nancy, Cathy, Cynthia, Debbie, Debra, Diane, Donna, Jodi, Paula, Sharon, Sheryl, Barbra, Gerri, Jodie, Kathi, Kathie, Leisa, Nanci, Barb, Cathey, Cheryll, Jacki, Johna, Karren, Loriann, Lorry, Toniann, Barbaraann, Carrieann, Cythia, Kathren, Laurieann, Lorra, Marykay, Terrye, Cariann, Debbe, Dejuana, Kathye, Lynee, Lynnmarie, Marikay, Michaelann, Terrianne, Cathyann, Deborahann, Janeann, Karenann, Pattiann, Terryann
Brothers: Robert, Richard, William, James, John, Darrell, Doug, Glenn, Jeff, Joe, Mark, Mike, Rick, Steve, Steven, Timothy, Todd, Curt, Dian, Rod, Darry, Daryel, Bary, Dereke, Daril, Jefferie, Kirtis
Names like Susan
Names whose popularity has moved with Susan's over the last 50 years.
