Susanna

The first name Susanna is the Latinized form of the ancient Greek and biblical name Sousánnā, which in turn originates from the Hebrew name Shoshannah and means 'the lily.' Some sources also suggest an Elamite origin (language of the ancient Oriental people of the Elamites), but with the same meaning.

What does the name Susanna mean?

The first name Susanna is the Latinized form of the ancient Greek and biblical name Sousánnā, which in turn originates from the Hebrew name Shoshannah and means 'the lily.' Some sources also suggest an Elamite origin (language of the ancient Oriental people of the Elamites), but with the same meaning. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel tells the story of 'Susanna in the Bath.' Susanna of Babylon lived very comfortably with a house and a large garden and was highly sought after by two elders who served as judges. When Susanna wanted to take a bath in her garden one day, she was surprised by the two elders, who attempted to force her to sleep with them. After she refused, she was falsely accused by the two judges and sentenced to death for alleged adultery. However, Daniel was able to uncover the lies and save Susanna from the death penalty due to false accusations. The story of the beautiful Susanna in the Bath, often referred to as 'the chaste Susanna,' has been frequently depicted in art and literature. In the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Luke, another Susanna (Susanna of Jerusalem) also appears. She was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and accompanied him along with Mary Magdalene and several other disciples. As a first name, Susanna was already used in late Roman antiquity, although not very frequently. The name gained widespread popularity in the Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Susanna of Rome, who is said to have died as a martyr under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, the girl's name Susanna is particularly common in German, Italian, and English-speaking regions, but it is also found in Nordic countries like Finland and Sweden. In Germany, the variant Susanne is the most common, which even ranked among the most popular German girls' names in the 1960s. Other well-known variants of Susanna include Susan, Susana, Susanka, Susann, Susen, Suzan, Suzana, Suzanne, Zsuzsanna, Zuzana, and Zuzanna. Notable short and/or pet forms of Susanna are Sanna, Sanne, Sanni, Su, Sue, Susa, Suse, Susi, Susie, Suzie, Zsuzsa, and Zuza.

Where does the name Susanna come from?

Etymology The first name Susanna is derived from the ancient Greek and biblical name Sousánnā (Σουσάννᾱ), which in turn comes from the Hebrew name Shoshannah (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה). This has its roots in the Hebrew word šôšan (שׁוֹשָׁן) or šûšan (שׁוּשַׁן), which was derived from the ancient Egyptian word sšn for 'lotus,' but was translated as 'lily' in the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint). Ancient Egyptian Ancient Hebrew Biblical Elamite

How do you pronounce Susanna?

Sound & pronunciation of Susanna: The name Susanna is three to four syllables and rhythmically symmetrical. In German pronunciation, it is usually spoken as 'Su-san-na' [zuˈzana], with the doubling of the 'n' creating a closed middle. The open vowels give the name a harmonious sound flow. Susanna has a traditional and feminine feel - melodious, friendly, and present.

When is the name day of Susanna?

The most important name days for Susanna are August 11 (Susanna of Rome) and December 19 (Susanna of Babylon).

Popularity

As a female first name, Susanna has been continuously visible in Germany for many decades and was initially relatively well established in the naming landscape. Particularly from the 1930s to the 1950s, Susanna mostly occupied a solid position in the rankings and thus long belonged to the established, albeit not leading, first names. Its strongest phase in Germany was in the mid-20th century.

Nicknames & pet names

Anna / San / Sana / Sani / Sanna / Sannchen / Sanne / Sanni / Schuschanna / Sue / Suna / Sus / Susa / Susan / Susannchen / Suse / Susi / SusiNusi / Susl / Susn / Susns / Susu

Similar first names

Famous people

• St. Susanna of Concordia (Christian martyr, patron saint of Rome)
• Margaretha Susanna von Kuntsch (German writer)
• Maria Susanna Cummins (American writer)
• Oh Susannah (song)
• Susanna Benda (actress from Germany)
• Susanna Capurso (actress)
• Susanna Clarke (English writer)
• Susanna Coffey (American painter)
• Susanna Drury (Irish artist)
• Susanna Gartmayer (Austrian musician)
• Susanna Hesselberg (Swedish artist)
• Susanna Hoffs (musician (The Bangles))
• Susanna Jacobina Jungert (German singer)
• Susanna Kay Quatrocchi (singer, known as Suzi Quatro)
• Susanna Kaysen (American writer)
• Susanna Kearsley (Canadian writer)
• Susanna Knechtl (Austrian actress)
• Susanna Koch (Austrian footballer)
• Susanna Kraus (German actress)
• Susanna Kwan (Hong Kong actress)