Shoshana

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ʃoʊˈʃɑː.nə/

Shoshana: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan". It derives from the Hebrew word "sšn > soussan > Šōšannā > shôshan > shôshannâh".

In Hebrew tradition, Shoshana holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Hebrew culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Shoshana

Quick facts about Shoshana
OriginHebrew, Old Persian, Ancient Egyptian
GenderGirl name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

sšn > soussan > Šōšannā > shôshan > shôshannâh

Other Scripts

Hebrew (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה)

How to Pronounce Shoshana

Shoshana is pronounced /ʃoʊˈʃɑː.nə/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Shoshan-a
  2. Say it like: "SHOSHAN-A"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Shoshana is predominantly used in hebrew speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

hebrew
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoshana
What does the name Shoshana mean?
Shoshana means "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible.". The name comes from sšn > soussan > Šōšannā > shôshan > shôshannâh. In its original form, the name derives from shoshan (שׁוֹשָׁן) shôshannâh (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Shoshana for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Shoshana offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Shoshana?
Shoshana has hebrew and old persian and ancient egyptian origins. The name traces back to sšn > soussan > Šōšannā > shôshan > shôshannâh. The original form shoshan (שׁוֹשָׁן) shôshannâh (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Shoshana is written as Hebrew (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה). The name remains closely tied to hebrew naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Shoshana a boy or girl name?
Shoshana is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Shoshana has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Shoshana?
Shoshana is pronounced "/ʃoʊˈʃɑː.nə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Shoshana is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Shoshana can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root sšn > soussan > Šōšannā > shôshan > shôshannâh influences how Shoshana sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Shoshana?
Shoshana is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Shoshana gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Shoshana's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Shoshana holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Shoshana commonly used?
Shoshana is used primarily in hebrew naming traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Shoshana into their naming traditions. A child named Shoshana will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Shoshana is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Shoshana?
Shoshana carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Middle Egyptian “SŠN” and then after from the Persian root “Sousan, Susan.” However, the Hebrew root for the name of the lily (from Lilium family) derives from “Šōšannā > Shôshan > Shôshannâh,” which means “lotus, lily, to be joyful, bright, or cheerful.” It was first reported on an 11th Dynasty sarcophagus dating from approximately 2000 B.C. The Persian name for lily is “Soussan.” The name of Susa, an ancient city of Persia, may be derived from the lilies which abounded in the plain in which it was situated. It is the name of at least two women in the Bible." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Shoshana originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Shoshana sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Shoshana often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In hebrew communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names