The name Samuel is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the biblical name Shemu'el, which means "heard by God".
Meaning of the Name Samuel
The name Samuel carries a strong religious significance, as it appears frequently throughout the Bible. The name is associated with the story of Hannah, who prayed for a child and was granted a son whom she named Samuel. Samuel went on to become a prophet and judge in ancient Israel, playing an important role in the country's history.
Popularity and Trends
The name Samuel has been consistently popular throughout history, with a steady presence in the top 100 baby names for boys in the United States. It was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but has remained a popular choice for parents in recent years. In 2021, Samuel ranked at #22 on the Social Security Administration's list of top baby names.
Notable Namesakes
- Samuel Adams, American statesman and Founding Father who played a key role in the American Revolution
- Samuel L. Jackson, American actor known for his roles in films such as Pulp Fiction and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Samuel Morse, American inventor and artist who developed the Morse code communication system
- Samuel Beckett, Irish playwright and novelist known for his works such as Waiting for Godot
Interesting Facts
- The name Samuel is particularly popular in Jewish and Christian communities due to its strong religious significance.
- In addition to its biblical roots, the name Samuel has been used in literature and popular culture. Notable examples include Samuel Pickwick, the protagonist in Charles Dickens' novel The Pickwick Papers, and Samuel Vimes, a character in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
- Samuel is a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys.
Sam rank report (US ranking for newborns 2021)
- Rank 653. Trey
- Rank 654. Gustavo
- Rank 655. Fletcher
- Rank 656. Issac
- Rank 657. Sam
- Rank 658. Trenton
- Rank 659. Callahan
- Rank 660. Chris
- Rank 661. Mohammad