Meaning & History
Susann is a German and Scandinavian short form of Susanne, itself a form of Susanna. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Shoshanna, meaning "lily" (or in modern Hebrew also "rose"), the name has deep biblical and historical roots.
Etymology and Origin
The journey begins with the Hebrew word shoshan (שׁוֹשָׁן) for "lily," possibly influenced by the Egyptian word sšn for "lotus." The Greek form Sousanna (Σουσάννα) passed into Latin as Susanna, which then spread across Europe. In the Old Testament Apocrypha, Susanna is the virtuous woman falsely accused of adultery; the prophet Daniel vindicates her. The New Testament also mentions a Susanna who ministered to Jesus. As an English name, it was used occasionally in the Middle Ages but only became widespread after the Protestant Reformation, often spelled Susan.
Usage and Variants
In German and Scandinavian countries, Susann emerged as a concise variant of Susanne, paralleling other diminutives like Suse and Susi in German, or Sanne and Sussi in Danish. While Susann is less common than its longer forms, it remains in use as a given name in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with the given name Susann include Susann Goksør Bjerkrheim (born 1970), a Norwegian handball player; Susann Müller (born 1988), a German handball player; Susann McDonald (1935–2025), an American harpist; and Susann Cokal, an American author and academic. The surname Susann is famously associated with Jacqueline Susann (1918–1974), the bestselling American novelist of Valley of the Dolls.
Cultural Significance
The name Susann, through its lineage, connects to the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, a popular subject in Renaissance art and literature. Its floral meaning of "lily" often symbolizes purity and innocence. In Hebrew tradition, Shoshanna remains a classic name, and modern variants like Sawsan (Arabic) or Shushan (Armenian) reflect its enduring cross-cultural appeal.
- Meaning: "lily" (also "rose")
- Origin: Hebrew, via Greek and Latin
- Type: Diminutive/short form of Susanne
- Usage Regions: Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Susann