Meaning & History
Suzanna is a variant spelling of Susanna, a name with deep biblical roots. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Shoshanna, meaning "lily" or "rose," and may trace further back to the Egyptian word for "lotus." In the Old Testament Apocrypha, Susanna is the virtuous woman falsely accused of adultery before being vindicated by the prophet Daniel. The name also appears in the New Testament as a follower of Jesus. Although the name was used occasionally in medieval England in honor of the Old Testament heroine, it gained wider popularity after the Protestant Reformation when the spelling Susan became common. Suzanna represents a less frequent but enduring variant, often chosen by parents seeking a slightly more distinctive form while retaining the classic sound and heritage.
Related forms in English include Susanna, Susan, Suzan, and Susanne. Diminutives such as Sue, Susie, and Suki offer familiar nicknames. The name has counterparts in many languages, including Slovenian Suzana, Arabic Sawsan, and Armenian Shushan.
- Meaning: lily, rose
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries