Is Susan a biblical name?

Susan is a biblically rooted name. While it does not appear in Scripture in this exact form, it comes directly from a biblical name or phrase. Susan was one of the most common American names of the mid-twentieth century, simple and familiar, and it remains widely recognized today even as its use has settled.

Girl · Hebrew · New Testament · Biblically inspired

Susan

SOO-zun · means “Lily”

Susan is an English form of Susanna, itself from the Hebrew Shoshannah, meaning "lily." It derives from Susanna, one of the women mentioned in Luke's Gospel who traveled with Jesus and helped support His ministry out of her own means.

Faith Devotion Grace

“These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
— Luke 8:3 (NIV)

The story behind the name

Susan was one of the most common American names of the mid-twentieth century, simple and familiar, and it remains widely recognized today even as its use has settled.

Susanna appears briefly in Luke's Gospel among a group of women who followed Jesus through Galilee, described as those who "were helping to support them out of their own means" (Luke 8:2-3). Her name is mentioned only once, yet her devotion is recorded permanently in Scripture.

Susanna's quiet generosity, giving practically and faithfully to support Jesus's ministry, stands as its own kind of witness. A daughter named Susan carries that same picture, faithful support offered without needing recognition for it.

A blessing to pray over Susan

Father, give this daughter Susanna's quiet generosity, faithful and steady whether or not anyone notices. Let her support Your work with a willing, open heart. Amen.