Susan is a name of English origin, derived from the Latin name Susanna, which means "lily" or "rose." The name has been in use since medieval times and was popularized by John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," in which he wrote about a character named Susan.
The name Susan gained popularity during the Victorian era in England and remains a classic choice today. It is often associated with qualities such as grace, elegance, and beauty, reflecting its floral origins. Despite being a traditional name, Susan also has a modern and sophisticated ring to it, making it a timeless option for parents looking for a name that will stand the test of time.
Historically, the name Susanna appears in various religious texts and artworks throughout history. In the Old Testament, Susanna is a woman who remained faithful to her beliefs despite being falsely accused. Meanwhile, in art history, numerous paintings depicting the story of Susanna and the Elders have been created by renowned artists such as Titian and Artemisia Gentileschi.
In popular culture, Susan has been portrayed by various actresses in films and television shows throughout the years. Some notable examples include Susan Hayward's performance in "I'll Cry Tomorrow" (1955), Susan Sarandon's role in "Thelma & Louise" (1991), and Susan Davis' portrayal of Senator Barbara Boxer in the TV series "The West Wing" (1999-2006).
Overall, Susan is a name with a rich history and elegant origins that continues to captivate parents looking for a classic yet sophisticated name choice for their daughter.
The name Susan has a rich history and significant trends when it comes to its usage as a baby girl's name in the United States. The data provided presents annual birth statistics for the name Susan from 1880 to 2023.
In the late 19th century, Susan was quite popular, with over 250 births each year between 1880 and 1899. The peak of this era occurred in 1895 with 393 births. This period saw Susan as one of the top ten girl's names, reflecting its popularity during that time.
The early to mid-20th century marked a significant shift for the name Susan. Its popularity continued to rise until it reached an all-time high in 1946, with 8,562 births. This can be attributed to the post-World War II baby boom, where many parents chose traditional, familiar names like Susan. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Susan remained consistently popular, often ranking among the top five girl's names.
However, from the late 1960s onwards, there was a gradual decline in the usage of the name Susan. This trend can be attributed to changing naming trends and an increase in unique and unusual baby names. By the 1980s, Susan had fallen out of the top 100 most popular girl's names, with fewer than 2,500 births each year.
This downward trend continued into the late 20th century and early 21st century. The year 2003 marked a significant turning point when there were fewer than 600 births for the name Susan. Since then, its usage has remained relatively stable but low, with less than 350 births annually between 2010 and 2023.
Despite this decline in popularity, Susan still holds historical significance as a traditional and beloved girl's name. Its timeless nature is reflected in the ongoing, albeit rare, use of the name today. As a result, Susan continues to be a relevant choice for parents looking for a classic and enduring name for their daughter.
Overall, the data shows that while Susan was once one of the most popular names for girls in the United States, its usage has significantly declined over time. Despite this decline, Susan remains a beloved and historically significant name, with ongoing but rare usage today.