Susan
Peaked at #2 nationally in 1957, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Susan has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Susan is an English short form of Susannah, derived from the Hebrew "Shoshana," meaning "lily" or "rose," a word that itself traces back to an ancient Egyptian term for the lotus flower. The Old Testament figure Susanna gave the name its early religious association. Susan became a standalone name in its own right by the 18th century and rose to become one of the most common American names of the mid-20th century.
Notable people & culture
Suffragist Susan B. Anthony, whose activism helped secure women's voting rights, is one of the name's most historically significant bearers. Actress Susan Sarandon and singer Susan Boyle have carried the name into contemporary entertainment. Common nicknames include Sue and Susie.
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Susan — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#2
in 1957
Current rank
#1136
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Susan reached its peak popularity for girls in 1957, ranking #2 nationally with 45,952 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #847 (2014) to #1136 (2024) — a 25% drop.
As of 2024, Susan ranks #1136 nationally for girls, with 213 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #1,136 | 213 |
| 2023 | #1,104 | 223 |
| 2022 | #1,156 | 211 |
| 2021 | #1,097 | 226 |
| 2020 | #975 | 262 |
| 2019 | #1,052 | 244 |
| 2018 | #1,082 | 235 |
| 2017 | #963 | 276 |
Susan — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#765
in 1957
Last ranked
#13994
in 2017
Years tracked
67
1897–2017
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1897, Susan reached its peak popularity for boys in 1957, ranking #765 nationally with 97 babies given the name that year.
Susan hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2017, when it stood at #13994.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | #13,994 | 5 |
| 2014 | #13,803 | 5 |
| 2004 | #9,806 | 7 |
| 1993 | #6,736 | 8 |
| 1992 | #7,301 | 7 |
| 1990 | #4,371 | 13 |
| 1989 | #3,787 | 15 |
| 1988 | #3,329 | 16 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Susan most popular?
Susan was most popular in 1957, when it ranked #2 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Susan becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Susan?
At least 1,125,774 babies have been recorded with the name Susan in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Susan? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.