Girl name · Hebrew
Shoshana
“rose, lily”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Shoshana.
Explore Shoshana further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Shoshana — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Shoshana is the Hebrew original that English received, by way of Greek and Latin, as Susanna and then Susan. The underlying shoshan probably meant lily in Biblical Hebrew and shifted toward rose in later usage, which is why translations disagree and why both readings are defensible.
It is standard in Israel and common in observant Jewish families in the US, without ever appearing in the national top 1000. Susan, its own descendant, was a US top-10 name for two decades.
Shosh is the affectionate Israeli short form. Three syllables take a short middle (Shoshana Tal, Shoshana Ruth). On our vibe map it is Heirloom with Soft & Dreamy warmth.
More Hebrew names
Shoshana sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Shoshana — common questions
Is Shoshana a boy or girl name?
Shoshana is traditionally a girl name of Hebrew origin.
What does the name Shoshana mean?
Shoshana means “rose, lily” of Hebrew origin. Shoshana is the Hebrew original that English received, by way of Greek and Latin, as Susanna and then Susan. The underlying shoshan probably meant lily in Biblical Hebrew and shifted toward rose in later usage, which is why translations disagree and why both readings are defensible.
Where does the name Shoshana come from?
Shoshana is Hebrew in origin. It is standard in Israel and common in observant Jewish families in the US, without ever appearing in the national top 1000. Susan, its own descendant, was a US top-10 name for two decades.
What are common nicknames for Shoshana?
Shosh, Shani, and Susie — the short-forms parents most often use for Shoshana.
How popular is Shoshana?
Shoshana did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Shoshana you might want for the nursery.