Susanna is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Hebrew name "Shoshannah." In both languages, the name means "lily" or "lotus flower," which are symbols of beauty and purity.
The name Susanna first appeared in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it was borne by a woman who was falsely accused of adultery but ultimately vindicated. This story has been retold in various forms throughout history, including in the play "Susanna's Beautiful Eyes" by the Italian Renaissance playwright Giovanni Battista Guarini.
Over time, the name Susanna became popular among Christians due to its biblical associations and its association with beauty and purity. It was particularly common in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Today, Susanna is still a widely used name around the world, with variations such as Suzanne, Susan, and Susette also being popular.
Despite its long history and widespread use, Susanna remains a unique and elegant name choice. Its association with beauty and purity gives it a timeless appeal, while its biblical origins provide it with a sense of tradition and heritage. Whether you're looking for a name that's classic or modern, traditional or unique, Susanna is sure to make a beautiful choice.
The name Susanna experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a marked increase in usage during the mid-20th century. From the late 1800s to the early 1950s, the number of annual births with the name Susanna ranged from around 20 to 46, with occasional peaks reaching up to 71 births in a single year (1914). However, beginning in 1956, there was a notable surge in the popularity of the name, with over 180 births recorded that year. This trend continued through the late 1950s and early 1960s, reaching an all-time high of 310 births in 1958. From the mid-1960s onwards, the popularity of the name Susanna began to decline gradually, with fewer than 200 births recorded per year since 1970. In recent years, the number of annual births with the name Susanna has stabilized around 150 to 180 births per year, with a total of 19603 births over the entire period from 1880 to 2023.