The name Suzanne is of French origin and means "lily" in French. It is derived from the Latin word "susanna," which also means lily. The lily flower has long been associated with purity, innocence, and beauty.
Suzanne was originally a Hebrew name given to women in biblical times. In the Book of Susanna, the name Suzanne is carried by a virtuous woman who remained faithful to her husband despite being falsely accused of adultery. This story made the name Suzanne popular among Christians throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
The name Suzanne began to be used more frequently in France during the 16th century and became quite common there by the 18th century. It was also used in other European countries such as England, Scotland, and Germany.
In literature, the name Suzanne has been associated with several notable characters. One of the most famous is Suzanne Simonin from "The Elixir of Love," an 18th-century French novel by Denis Diderot. This character gave rise to the popular nickname "Suzanne" for women who were believed to be promiscuous.
Today, Suzanne remains a popular name in many French-speaking countries and beyond. It has also inspired several variations such as Susie, Suzette, Suzy, and Susanna. Despite its historical associations with biblical virtue or 18th-century immorality, the name Suzanne continues to evoke images of grace, beauty, and timeless elegance.
The name Suzanne has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the name Suzanne was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1880 and 1906. However, beginning in 1907, there was a notable increase in its popularity, with over 27 births recorded that year.
The trend continued into the 1910s and 1920s, with the name Suzanne reaching peak popularity in 1934, when it was given to 1,340 baby girls. This high level of popularity persisted throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with over 500 births per year from 1937 onwards.
However, after 1946, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Suzanne. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, fewer than 500 births were recorded each year. This downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century, with the name falling out of fashion by the 1970s.
In recent years, however, there has been a small resurgence in the popularity of the name Suzanne. After reaching its lowest point in 2020 with only 43 births recorded, the number of babies named Suzanne has increased to 63 in 2023, suggesting that this classic name may be making a comeback.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Suzanne has fluctuated greatly over time, it remains a timeless and elegant choice for parents looking for a unique yet traditional name.