Shmuel is a Hebrew masculine given name derived from the Hebrew word "shmuel," which means "his name is God." This name has its roots in the Hebrew Bible and is often associated with Samuel, a prophet who played a significant role in the transition of leadership from judges to kings in ancient Israel.
The name Shmuel was popular among Jewish communities throughout history. It gained further prominence after the biblical figure Samuel became venerated as a saint in Christianity, leading to its adoption by Christians as well. Today, Shmuel remains a beloved and respected name within both Jewish and Christian communities worldwide.
Historically, individuals named Shmuel have included notable figures such as Shmuel Yosef Agnon (1887-1970), an Israeli Nobel laureate in Literature, and Shmuel Ha-Nagid (993-1056), a Spanish Jewish poet and statesman. These men contributed greatly to their respective fields and serve as examples of the strength and wisdom often associated with the name Shmuel.
In contemporary times, the name continues to be bestowed upon newborn boys by parents who wish to honor the rich history and heritage behind this timeless moniker. Whether given for its biblical significance or simply for its pleasing sound, Shmuel remains a classic choice that transcends cultures and generations.
The name Shmuel has a fascinating history of usage in the United States over the past seven decades. Between 1953 and 2023, there were a total of 5,476 births registered with this name.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can observe several trends:
* In the early years, from 1953 to 1968, the number of births with the name Shmuel fluctuated between 6 and 20 each year.
* Starting in 1967, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with more than 16 births recorded that year.
* The most significant growth occurred between 1974 and 1983, with the number of births ranging from 27 to 55 each year.
* This trend continued into the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a peak of 96 births in 1999.
* The new millennium brought an even more significant increase in popularity. Between 2000 and 2023, there were over 140 births per year on average, with the highest recorded number being 252 births in 2022.
This data demonstrates that while Shmuel was a relatively uncommon name for many years, it has gained significant popularity in recent decades. It's clear that this name has been embraced by families across various generations in the United States.