bostonian girl's list "My Favorite Names" of 8 great name ideas: Susan - Karsten!

My Favorite Names

Although Susan had her heyday from the thirties to the sixties, and is now common among moms and new grandmas, and though most modern parents would prefer Susanna/Susannah, we have spotted some flickers of interest in a revival. It still retains a certain black-eyed-Susan freshness.
 
Susan has a substantial literary resume, including appearances in George Eliot's Mill on the Floss, Anthony Trollope's Barchester Towers, Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge and Jude the Obscure, and Charlotte Bronte's Shirley.
 
Susan's many nicknames include Sue, Susie, Suzy, Sukie, and Zuzu—many of which have been celebrated in song. Among Susan's notable namesakes are activist Susan B. Anthony, writer Sontag, and actress Sarandon.

Susan

In the 1940s, Toni began to surpass its progenitor, Antonia, but it peaked in 1960 and has since dropped back below the US Top 1000.

 American author Toni Morrison is an eminent namesake. She was actually born Chloe Ardelia but took the baptismal name Anthony when she converted to Catholicism aged 12, which is where her nickname comes from. Australian actress Toni Collette is another notable bearer.

My Favorite Names

Susan

Toni

Matt/Matthew

Stephen/Steven

Lukas/Luke

Magne

Jordan/Jory

Karsten