Susa

♀ Girl

Pronounced SOO-suh /ˈsuː.sə/Low

Meaning: Susa is most often a short form of Susanna or Susan, whose Hebrew root shoshannah means 'lily' - and in later usage 'rose.' A very few families may instead have in mind the ancient Persian city of Susa, but the flower-name reading is far more likely.Low

In 30 seconds: Susa is usually a short form of Susanna or Susan, from the Hebrew for 'lily' or 'rose.' A quiet mid-century American choice, it is said SOO-suh.

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Origin LowHebrew

MeaningSusa is most often a short form of Susanna or Susan, whose Hebrew root shoshannah means 'lily' - and in later usage 'rose.' A very few families may instead have in mind the ancient Persian city of Susa, but the flower-name reading is far more likely.

U.S. rank (1985)#12268 ↘ Falling

1985 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1959

Total births (all-time)≈ 211

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Susa is a trim, old-fashioned short form of Susanna, the biblical name whose Hebrew root shoshannah means 'lily.' While Susan and Susie were the common pet forms, Susa turns up as a rarer, gentler clipping used as a name in its own right.

It was never common, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak around 1959, quietly overshadowed by the hugely popular Susan. Its flower meaning comes straight from Susanna, making it a soft, understated member of that family.

Did you know? A girl named Susa around its peak in 1959 is now a grandmother, from the generation when Susan and its short forms were everywhere.

Overall data confidence 30%

References - Susa — Short form of Susanna/Susan; Hebrew 'lily/rose'; Susa city noted but secondary.

Variations

SusannaSusanSusie

Nicknames

SueSusie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Susa…

Susan— a parent name Susa shortens

Susanna— the fuller biblical form

Susie— a like pet form of the same name

Susannah— a related spelling of the parent name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Susa mean?

It is usually a short form of Susanna or Susan, from the Hebrew shoshannah, 'lily' or 'rose.'

How do you pronounce Susa?

It is said SOO-suh /ˈsuː.sə/ - two syllables.

Is Susa a boy or girl name?

Susa is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Susa?

It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year around its peak in the late nineteen-fifties.