Sampson Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationSAM-suhn / /ˈsæm.sən/Hebrew; English
Meaning
Hebrew: sun; English: variant of Samson
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sampson has its roots in the Hebrew name Shimshon, which is derived from the Hebrew word "shemesh," meaning "sun." This name was transliterated into Greek as Sampson (Σαμψών) and later into Latin as Sampson, before being adopted into Old French and eventually entering the English language. The transition from Hebrew to Greek and then Latin reflects the historical spread of the biblical narrative, particularly through the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The name Sampson is most famously associated with the biblical figure Samson, a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, as recounted in the Book of Judges, particularly in chapters 13 to 16, which were written around the 11th century BCE.
Sampson's narrative is rich with themes of strength, betrayal, and redemption, culminating in his downfall due to his relationship with Delilah. This story has had a significant impact on Western literature and art, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations throughout the centuries. The name gained further prominence during the Renaissance, when biblical stories were revisited and reinterpreted in various forms of art and literature. Notably, the King James Bible, published in 1611, solidified the name's presence in English-speaking cultures, as it provided a widely read and influential translation of biblical texts.
Culturally, the name Sampson has come to symbolize physical strength and moral complexity, often representing the duality of human nature—capable of great feats yet vulnerable to personal failings. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as Sam, which have been used in various contexts. Overall, the enduring legacy of the name Sampson is deeply intertwined with its biblical origins and the moral lessons derived from the life of its most famous bearer.
Trend Summary
The name Sampson has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable presence in the early 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Sampson
- Samson
International Variants
- Sansone (Italian)
- Sampson (English)
Famous people named Sampson
Sampson Davis is a physician and author best known for The Bond, We Beat the Street, and Living and Dying in Brick City.
Fictional characters named Sampson
Sampson is a fictional character from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. He is a servant of the Capulet family who instigates a fight with the Montagues, showcasing the feud between the two families.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Sampson was first seen in the United States in 1880. Sampson has ranked as high as #1325 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. In the past 5 years the name Sampson has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Sampson (2023)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
OK | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 5 |
1881 | 8 |
1882 | 8 |
1883 | 6 |
1884 | 10 |
1885 | 8 |
1886 | 8 |
1887 | 6 |
1888 | 9 |
1889 | 8 |
1890 | 8 |
1891 | 5 |
1892 | 8 |
1893 | 6 |
1894 | 7 |
1895 | 10 |
1896 | 7 |
1897 | 11 |
1898 | 23 |
1899 | 18 |
1900 | 20 |
1901 | 10 |
1902 | 14 |
1903 | 10 |
1904 | 13 |
1905 | 12 |
1906 | 7 |
1907 | 10 |
1908 | 9 |
1909 | 13 |
1910 | 12 |
1911 | 7 |
1912 | 23 |
1913 | 22 |
1914 | 34 |
1915 | 23 |
1916 | 30 |
1917 | 21 |
1918 | 36 |
1919 | 41 |
1920 | 43 |
1921 | 39 |
1922 | 40 |
1923 | 30 |
1924 | 30 |
1925 | 35 |
1926 | 29 |
1927 | 39 |
1928 | 34 |
1929 | 29 |
1930 | 37 |
1931 | 34 |
1932 | 26 |
1933 | 27 |
1934 | 20 |
1935 | 21 |
1936 | 28 |
1937 | 18 |
1938 | 28 |
1939 | 27 |
1940 | 25 |
1941 | 18 |
1942 | 23 |
1943 | 32 |
1944 | 19 |
1945 | 19 |
1946 | 28 |
1947 | 19 |
1948 | 28 |
1949 | 35 |
1950 | 27 |
1951 | 23 |
1952 | 33 |
1953 | 25 |
1954 | 38 |
1955 | 34 |
1956 | 42 |
1957 | 29 |
1958 | 21 |
1959 | 31 |
1960 | 33 |
1961 | 33 |
1962 | 22 |
1963 | 28 |
1964 | 27 |
1965 | 18 |
1966 | 17 |
1967 | 16 |
1968 | 21 |
1969 | 28 |
1970 | 21 |
1971 | 14 |
1972 | 17 |
1973 | 19 |
1974 | 20 |
1975 | 20 |
1976 | 26 |
1977 | 28 |
1978 | 34 |
1979 | 23 |
1980 | 31 |
1981 | 33 |
1982 | 27 |
1983 | 28 |
1984 | 24 |
1985 | 31 |
1986 | 33 |
1987 | 29 |
1988 | 40 |
1989 | 36 |
1990 | 35 |
1991 | 29 |
1992 | 33 |
1993 | 33 |
1994 | 39 |
1995 | 34 |
1996 | 34 |
1997 | 33 |
1998 | 44 |
1999 | 51 |
2000 | 36 |
2001 | 31 |
2002 | 35 |
2003 | 34 |
2004 | 29 |
2005 | 35 |
2006 | 37 |
2007 | 43 |
2008 | 40 |
2009 | 34 |
2010 | 31 |
2011 | 35 |
2012 | 38 |
2013 | 39 |
2014 | 42 |
2015 | 57 |
2016 | 51 |
2017 | 61 |
2018 | 50 |
2019 | 41 |
2020 | 57 |
2021 | 46 |
2022 | 42 |
2023 | 38 |
2024 | 33 |