Sunna: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva".It derives from the Hebrew word (shôshannâh) (SUNNGIFU).
Sunna has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Sunna
Quick facts about Sunna
Origin
Hebrew, Old English (Anglo-saxon), Old Persian, Ancient Egyptian
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
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
Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU).
Etymology & Details
Name Root
(shôshannâh) (SUNNGIFU)
How to Pronounce Sunna
Sunna is pronounced /ˈsʌnə/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Sun-na
Say it like: "SUHNOOH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Sunna enjoys international appeal, used in 5 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
norwegianicelandicswedishdanishfinnish
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunna
What does the name Sunna mean?
Sunna means "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU).". The name comes from (shôshannâh) (SUNNGIFU). In its original form, the name derives from shôshannâh (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Sunna for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU)." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Sunna's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. 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 Sunna?
Sunna has hebrew and old english (anglo-saxon) and old persian and ancient egyptian origins. The name traces back to (shôshannâh) (SUNNGIFU). The original form shôshannâh (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Sunna spread to become common in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, danish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU)." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Sunna a boy or girl name?
Sunna 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, Sunna has historically been given to girls. The meaning "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU)." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Sunna?
Sunna is pronounced "/ˈsʌnə/". This pronunciation follows eg language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Sunna is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Sunna can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (shôshannâh) (SUNNGIFU) influences how Sunna sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Sunna?
Sunna is commonly used as a nickname for Susanna, Sunniva. Being a shortened version of Susanna, Sunniva, Sunna offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Susanna, Sunniva go by Sunna throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In hebrew cultures, using Sunna as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Sunna as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Sunna on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Sunna?
Sunna is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Sunna offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Sunna's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU)." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Sunna holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Sunna commonly used?
Sunna spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and 2 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Sunna found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Sunna, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU)." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Sunna into their naming traditions. A child named Sunna 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, Sunna is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Sunna?
Sunna 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 "Sunna is a short form of Susanna and Sunniva. The name is of Ancient Egyptian, Old Persian, Hebrew and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (SHÔSHANNÂH) and (SUNNGIFU)." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Sunna 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 Sunna sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Sunna often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In norwegian 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.