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Sampson Boy

Popularity: #891 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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)

StateBirthsShare
OK 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18818
18828
18836
188410
18858
18868
18876
18889
18898
18908
18915
18928
18936
18947
189510
18967
189711
189823
189918
190020
190110
190214
190310
190413
190512
19067
190710
19089
190913
191012
19117
191223
191322
191434
191523
191630
191721
191836
191941
192043
192139
192240
192330
192430
192535
192629
192739
192834
192929
193037
193134
193226
193327
193420
193521
193628
193718
193828
193927
194025
194118
194223
194332
194419
194519
194628
194719
194828
194935
195027
195123
195233
195325
195438
195534
195642
195729
195821
195931
196033
196133
196222
196328
196427
196518
196617
196716
196821
196928
197021
197114
197217
197319
197420
197520
197626
197728
197834
197923
198031
198133
198227
198328
198424
198531
198633
198729
198840
198936
199035
199129
199233
199333
199439
199534
199634
199733
199844
199951
200036
200131
200235
200334
200429
200535
200637
200743
200840
200934
201031
201135
201238
201339
201442
201557
201651
201761
201850
201941
202057
202146
202242
202338
202433