All about the name

Simuel

Male

« Samuel is a Hebrew name that means "God heard. »

#9322 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "name of God" or "God heard." It is composed of two elements: "shema," which means "heard," and "el," which refers to God. The name Samuel has a significant historical background in the Bible. He was the last judge of ancient Israel and the father of King David. According to biblical accounts, he was born after his mother Hannah had prayed for many years for a child. In gratitude for her answered prayer, she named him Samuel, declaring that "his name shall be called Samuel [because] I have asked him of the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:20). The name Samuel has been popular among various cultures throughout history. It was particularly common among Christians in the Middle Ages and during the Puritan era. Today, it remains a widely used name across different countries. Some famous people with the name Samuel include Samuel Pepys, an English diarist and naval administrator; Samuel Johnson, an English writer and lexicographer; Samuel Beckett, an Irish playwright and novelist; and Samuel L. Jackson, an American actor and film producer. Overall, the name Samuel has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and its meaning - "God heard" or "name of God" - makes it a significant choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Simuel since 1880

Total births
360
Total since 1880
Peak year
1917
13 births
in 1998
10
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years