Susie

Susie (from Susan) ~ Lily ~ Hebrew

Susie Acosta-Rodriguez was the Denver area’s first baby of 2008, so I thought it only appropriate to write about this name as my first choice for the year. The baby, born at 12:50 a.m., was unwittingly named by her brother Brian, who liked to sing “wake up, a-little Susie, wake up!” to her in the mornings. (That’s a pretty adorable way to pick a name, if you ask me.)

Popularity
Susie is a nick-name for Susan that has grown to become a full name in its own right. The name Susie was most popular in America in the 1880s, when names that ended in –ie were especially desirable. Names from that period such as Bessie, Nettie, or Hattie just haven’t survived the way Addie, Ellie, or Mattie have today. Susie falls somewhere in between. Though it’s been declining steadily since that time, the name is still familiar and much more playground-friendly than Minnie, for example. Still, few parents today are using this name.

Meaning
Susie's meaning comes not just from Susan, but from Susanna, which is referenced in the Bible and means lily in ancient Hebrew, and in modern Hebrew means rose. It's a gorgeous and subtle floral name that also hints at a black-eyed Susan.

Famous Susies
Today’s famous Susies include financial expert Suze Orman (the name is spelled differently, but the idea is the same), actress and comedian Susie Essman, figure skater Susie Wynne, and reality-tv star Susie Feldman, to name a few. Women named Susie, Sue, Susannah, or Susan are the subject of many songs in addition to Wake Up Little Susie. The most famous song about a Susie might be Susie Q.

A Sweet Name
I think Susie has a cute, innocent quality, and for most people this name will automatically conjure an image of a little girl. But if that's a problem for someone with this name, she has the option to go by the timeless variation Sue, of course. I do love the meaning of this name and automatically think of a flower when I hear Susie.

So here’s to Susie Acosta-Rodriguez. May she enjoy lots of attention and gifts, and a happy new year of life outside the womb!

Variations
Susy, Suzie, Suzy, Suze