They call Susannah “Beck” in The Summer I Turned Pretty because “Beck” comes from her maiden name, and it’s used as an affectionate nickname that reflects her deepest, oldest relationships.

Why Do They Call Susannah “Beck” in The Summer I Turned Pretty?

The Simple Answer

  • Susannah’s original last name (before marriage) is Beck or Beckwith, so “Beck” is a nickname drawn from her maiden name.
  • Laurel and other close characters use it as a term of endearment, tied to who Susannah was before she became Susannah Fisher, wife and mom.

What It Means In The Story

  • The nickname signals history : Laurel met Susannah when she was still using her maiden name, so “Beck” carries all the memories of their early friendship.
  • Only her closest circle uses “Beck,” which subtly shows whose bond with Susannah goes back the farthest and runs the deepest.
  • It also highlights that Susannah is more than just “the boys’ mom” or a perfect beach house host; she has her own identity and past outside of motherhood.

In other words, “Beck” is like a verbal time capsule — every time Laurel says it, it points back to the younger Susannah and their long-standing, almost sister-like friendship.

Book vs. Show (Quick Note)

  • In Jenny Han’s books, the nickname “Beck” is rooted in Susannah’s maiden name (Beck / Beckwith) and used by people who knew her before marriage.
  • The Prime Video adaptation keeps the “Beck” nickname to preserve that emotional texture and show just how old and intimate Laurel and Susannah’s friendship is.

Mini TL;DR

  • Reason : “Beck” = Susannah’s maiden name.
  • Who uses it : Mainly Laurel and those who knew her before she was Mrs. Fisher.
  • Symbolism : A reminder of her past, her individuality, and the deep, decades-long friendship at the heart of the story.

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