Susanna

Origin

Susanna is derived from the Hebrew name Shoshannah, meaning ' lily '. It appears in biblical texts as the wife of Joachim and mother of the Virgin Mary. The name was adopted into Latin as Susanna and later into English. It has been used across Christian countries, including Australia, with historical mentions in religious chronicles and texts.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Lily'. In Australian English, it symbolises purity, innocence, and beauty, often associated with the lily flower in floral symbolism.

Pronunciation

/suˈzænə/ (SOO-zan-uh) — with the stress on the second syllable, following Australian English pronunciation patterns, the 'a' as in 'cat.'  | The pronunciation remains fairly standard across Australia with minor regional variations.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 19 August (Feast of Saint Susanna - Catholic calendar)
• 30 August (Reformation Day in some Protestant traditions, including influence in Australia)
• 19 July (Māori Nurse's Day, honouring culturally significant women named Susanna)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with susanna:

• Charlotte and Susanna
• Emily and Susanna
• Olivia and Susanna
• Sophie and Susanna

Fun Facts

• The name Susanna saw a resurgence in Australia during the 1970s, partly due to the popularity of biblical and classic names.
• Susanna is the title of a famous oratorio by George Frideric Handel, often performed in Australian concert halls.
• In Australia, Susanna is sometimes given in honour of the biblical figure associated with virtue and faith.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name susanna:

• Gentle
• Graceful
• Virtuous
• Refined
• Traditional

Aesthetic Qualities

Susanna has a classic, elegant visual appeal, with soft, flowing consonants and vowels that lend a gentle, feminine aesthetic suitable for both traditional and contemporary contexts.

Geographical Distribution

While widely used across Australia, the name Susanna has historically been more common in southern states such as Victoria and South Australia, reflecting traditional European naming patterns.

Numerological Significance

Name number is 8, associated with power, ambition, and balance. This suggests leadership qualities, a strong will, and resilience, traits often admired in Australian professional and social spheres.

Astrological Connections

Susanna correlates with the zodiac signs Cancer and Leo, representing nurturing, loyalty, and leadership qualities, respectively. Birth dates in July and August (Cancer and Leo months) are often associated with particular traits linked to the name.

Historical Context

Susanna appears in various texts, including the biblical Book of Daniel, influencing literary and artistic works. Notable Australians named Susanna include Susanna Liew (philanthropist) and Susanna Edwards (author). The name appears in Australian literature and media, symbolising virtue and classic femininity.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is fairly adaptable; it maintains its form across most languages, with common variants in Spanish, Portuguese, and other European languages. In scripts, it is written the same in Latin, Cyrillic, and Greek alphabets, with only pronunciation varying.

Famous People Named susanna

• Susanna Reid (British television presenter, popular in Australia)
• Susanna Hoffs (American musician with international reach, including Australia)
• Susanna Anker (Australian artist and cultural ambassador)

Popularity in Australia