Meaning, origin, history
Samuel is a classic boy's name of Hebrew origin that means "name of God". It has been popular throughout history and across various cultures.
The name Samuel was first used in the Old Testament of the Bible, where he is introduced as the last judge of ancient Israel and the prophet who anointed King David. Since then, it has become a significant name in many religious traditions around the world.
In literature, Samuel has been used as a character's name by famous authors like Herman Melville (in "Moby-Dick") and Mark Twain ("Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"). In music, Sammy Davis Jr., an influential American singer, dancer, and actor, helped popularize this name in the mid-20th century.
Over time, several variations of Samuel have emerged, including Sam, Sammy, and even Sammuel. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and traditional boy's name with a rich history behind it.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Sammy since 1880
Total births
1,712
Total since 1880
Peak year
1936
35 births
in 2023
28
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+42%
↗
vs previous 5 years