It is named for the 18th-century admiral Pierre André de Suffren.

It intersects the avenues La Motte-Picquet, Lowendal, Ségur and Rue Pérignon.

Metro station Ségur on Paris Métro Line 10 is at the intersection of the Avenue de Suffren and the Rue Pérignon.

In 1838, the Minister of Finances transferred authority on the avenue to the City of Paris.

The Abattoirs de Grenelle slaughterhouse had to be destroyed to allow the project to proceed.