The name Suzanne is of French origin and means "lily" in French. It is derived from the Latin word "susanna," which also means lily. The lily flower has long been associated with purity, innocence, and beauty.
Suzanne was originally a Hebrew name given to women in biblical times. In the Book of Susanna, the name Suzanne is carried by a virtuous woman who remained faithful to her husband despite being falsely accused of adultery. This story made the name Suzanne popular among Christians throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
The name Suzanne began to be used more frequently in France during the 16th century and became quite common there by the 18th century. It was also used in other European countries such as England, Scotland, and Germany.
In literature, the name Suzanne has been associated with several notable characters. One of the most famous is Suzanne Simonin from "The Elixir of Love," an 18th-century French novel by Denis Diderot. This character gave rise to the popular nickname "Suzanne" for women who were believed to be promiscuous.
Today, Suzanne remains a popular name in many French-speaking countries and beyond. It has also inspired several variations such as Susie, Suzette, Suzy, and Susanna. Despite its historical associations with biblical virtue or 18th-century immorality, the name Suzanne continues to evoke images of grace, beauty, and timeless elegance.
The name Suzanne experienced a significant rise in popularity over the course of a century, with a peak in the mid-20th century and a steady decline thereafter. Between 1880 and 1974, there were substantial fluctuations in the number of births each year, ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 3035. However, starting from the late 1970s, the popularity of the name began to decrease dramatically, reaching a total of only 63 births in 2023, marking an over 98% decline compared to its peak in 1962. This trend reflects broader societal shifts in naming practices and generational preferences for certain names.