The name Suzan is derived from the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning "rose" or "lily." It is a feminine form of the name Susan, which originated in the Middle Ages as an English variant of the French name Susanne.

The earliest recorded use of the name Suzan dates back to the 13th century in England. It was a popular name among English and French nobility during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Suzan was Suzan de Beaumont, a 13th-century noblewoman from Normandy, France. Another notable historical figure was Suzan de Bavière, a 15th-century duchess of Burgundy.

In the 16th century, the name Suzan gained popularity in England due to its association with the biblical figure Susanna, who was renowned for her virtue and purity. The name is mentioned in the Book of Daniel in the Bible.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Suzan was particularly popular among English and Scottish aristocracy. Notable bearers include Suzan Arundell (1634-1681), an English Catholic writer and translator, and Suzan Ferrier (1782-1854), a Scottish novelist known for her satirical depictions of Scottish society.

In the 19th century, the name Suzan became more widespread across different social classes in Europe and North America. One of the most famous Suzans of this era was Suzan B. Anthony (1820-1906), an American civil rights leader and pioneer of the women's suffrage movement.

Other notable historical figures named Suzan include Suzan Glaspell (1876-1948), an American playwright and novelist, and Suzan Sontag (1933-2004), an influential American writer, filmmaker, and political activist.

Throughout its history, the name Suzan has been associated with qualities such as grace, beauty, and strength of character, reflecting its floral origins and the virtues of its biblical namesake.