Meaning: Its source is Shoshana, a Hebrew name meaning "Lily."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English.

Nickname For: Susan and Susannah

Compound Forms: Bobbisue, Suanne, Sueann and Suellen

Alternative Spellings: Soo

Popularity: The name Sue ranked 197th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: The first known Shoshana (or Susanna) features in a Hebrew literary piece regarded as an unofficial addition to the Book of Daniel. It is, in fact, an ancient detective story, complete with a dramatic trial scene.

The beautiful Shoshana is accused of adultery by two elders. Despite her protests of innocence, she is about to be condemned to death when the prophet Daniel intervenes. He demands that the elders stand up to separate cross-examination about their accusation.

Outside one another's presence, the two elders give contradictory accounts of the alleged crime. Daniel argues that they intended to deceive the court, and that they, not Shoshana, were the ones with the sinful intentions.

Thanks to Daniel, Shoshana is found innocent, and the elders are condemned.