Sue is a common English short form of Susanna (and its variants such as Susan, Suzanne, etc.). As a diminutive, it originated as a nickname but has become established as an independent given name.EtymologyThe root Susanna derives from the Greek Σουσάννα (Sousanna), which in turn comes from the Hebrew name שׁוֹשַׁנָּה (Shoshanna). The Hebrew word means "lily" — in modern Hebrew it can also mean "rose" — and may ultimately trace back to the Egyptian word sšn for "lotus."In the Old Testament Apocrypha, Susanna is a virtuous woman falsely accused of adultery; the prophet Daniel clears her name. The name also appears in the New Testament as one of the women who supports Jesus. After the Protestant Reformation, the English form Susan became widespread, and the clipping Sue emerged as an affectionate short form.Notable BearersSue has been borne by many notable women, including American basketball player Sue Bird, British television presenter and former tennis player Sue Barker, Scottish forensic anthropologist Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, and American writer Sue Alexander. Sue K. Hicks (1895–1980) was an American jurist, said to have inspired the Johnny Cash song "A Boy Named Sue" — a rare male usage. Australian tennis player Sue Alexander (with doubles credentials) also bears the name.In pop culture, SpongeBob SquarePants' sarcastic neighbor Sue Nahmean (the squid) uses "Sue" ironically.Cultural SignificanceThough most common as a female name, the unusual male application in "A Boy Named Sue" reinforces its perception as a feminine given name. In modern English-speaking countries, Sue has diminished in popularity since its peak in the mid-20th century, but it remains a classic abbreviated form.Related FormsVariants of Sue include Sookie, Suki, Susie, Suz, Suzi, and Sukie. In other languages, equivalents include Suzana (Slovene), Sawsan (Arabic), and Shushan (Armenian).Meaning: "lily" (or "rose") from Hebrew shoshanOrigin: English diminutive of Susanna/SusanType: Feminine given name (rarely masculine)Usage: Predominantly in English-speaking countries