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Samuel Boy

Popularity: #17 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationSAM-yool / /ˈsæm.juː.əl/

Hebrew; English; French

Meaning

Hebrew: 'God has heard'; English: 'one who is heard'; French: 'he who hears'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Samuel has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el), which is traditionally interpreted to mean "God has heard" or "name of God." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, where Samuel is a significant prophet and judge in ancient Israel. The name was transliterated into Greek as Σαμουήλ (Samouēl) and later into Latin as Samuel, before making its way into Old French and eventually into Middle English as Samuel, maintaining its original form throughout these transitions.

Historically, the figure of Samuel is pivotal, as he is credited with anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David, during the 11th century BCE. His role as a prophet and leader is emphasized in various biblical narratives, which have influenced Judeo-Christian traditions. The name gained further prominence through its inclusion in the Christian Old Testament, particularly in the King James Version published in 1611, which helped to solidify its usage in English-speaking contexts.

Culturally, Samuel has been associated with wisdom, leadership, and divine communication, reflecting the characteristics of the biblical figure. The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often retaining its biblical significance. In addition to its full form, diminutive forms such as Sam have emerged, providing a more familiar or affectionate variant while still connecting to the original name's heritage. Samuel's enduring presence in religious texts and its symbolic associations with faith and guidance have contributed to its lasting significance across centuries.

Trend Summary

Samuel has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in the United States, maintaining popularity over the decades.

Similar Names

SaulSimonSimeonSolomonSilasSantiagoSampson

Variants

  • Sam
  • Samu
  • Sammy

International Variants

  • Samuel (Spanish)
  • Samuele (Italian)
  • Samu (Finnish)
  • Samuil (Bulgarian)

Famous people named Samuel

Samuel L. Jackson is an actor and producer best known for Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and The Avengers.

Samuel Adams was a brewer and a Founding Father best known for his role in the American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party.

Samuel Beckett was a playwright and novelist best known for Waiting for Godot, Endgame, and Krapp's Last Tape.

Samuel Morse was an inventor and painter best known for developing the Morse code and the telegraph.

Samuel Johnson was a writer and lexicographer best known for A Dictionary of the English Language and The Lives of the Poets.

Samuel Colt was an inventor and industrialist best known for founding Colt's Manufacturing Company and creating the revolver.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a poet and philosopher best known for The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan.

Samuel Alito is a jurist best known for serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Samuel Goldwyn was a film producer best known for founding MGM and producing films like The Best Years of Our Lives and Wuthering Heights.

Samuel P. Huntington was a political scientist best known for The Clash of Civilizations and Who Are We?

Samuel Adams was a political leader and a Founding Father best known for his role in the American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was an author best known for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Samuel Beckett was a playwright and novelist best known for Waiting for Godot and Endgame.

Samuel Gompers was a labor leader best known for founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL).

Samuel L. Jackson is an actor best known for Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight, and Snakes on a Plane.

Fictional characters named Samuel

Samuel Adams is a fictional character from the animated series The Boondocks. He is a prominent figure who represents the voice of reason and often critiques societal issues in the show.

Samuel T. Cogley is a fictional character from the TV series Star Trek. He is a defense attorney who plays a key role in the legal proceedings involving Captain Kirk.

Sibling Suggestions

DanielMichaelNathanDavidIsaacEliJoshua

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Samuel was first seen in the United States in 1880. Samuel has ranked as high as #33 nationally, which occurred in 2001, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Samuel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Samuel (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 973
12%
CA 836
11%
FL 510
6%
NY 435
5%
NC 309
4%
OH 308
4%
PA 295
4%
GA 279
4%
TN 264
3%
IL 219
3%
WA 219
3%
MI 217
3%
VA 212
3%
MA 209
3%
IN 188
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,024
1881919
18821,003
1883937
1884945
1885888
1886870
1887802
1888931
1889810
1890815
1891753
1892902
1893851
1894776
1895814
1896734
1897759
1898749
1899704
1900877
1901628
1902702
1903741
1904727
1905856
1906783
1907892
1908960
1909983
19101,129
19111,398
19122,602
19132,850
19143,703
19154,351
19164,399
19174,490
19184,772
19194,472
19204,654
19214,754
19224,600
19234,578
19244,592
19254,405
19264,179
19274,189
19283,844
19293,567
19303,531
19313,379
19323,411
19333,111
19343,137
19353,149
19362,893
19373,027
19383,243
19393,254
19403,362
19413,537
19424,190
19434,142
19443,946
19453,957
19464,524
19475,109
19485,003
19495,357
19505,226
19515,476
19525,648
19535,423
19545,634
19555,534
19565,584
19575,237
19585,051
19594,953
19604,711
19614,666
19624,552
19634,522
19644,463
19654,394
19664,158
19674,232
19684,121
19694,431
19704,559
19714,406
19724,214
19734,266
19744,671
19754,621
19765,026
19775,259
19785,393
19795,688
19806,013
19816,037
19826,017
19836,195
19846,361
19857,010
19867,580
19878,576
19889,564
198910,107
199010,892
199111,232
199211,345
199311,710
199412,146
199512,440
199613,629
199714,237
199813,912
199914,049
200014,187
200114,813
200214,579
200314,687
200414,128
200514,269
200613,645
200713,366
200812,773
200912,175
201011,971
201111,366
201211,468
201311,139
201411,024
201510,900
201610,615
201710,447
20189,850
20199,321
20208,585
20218,573
20228,414
20238,019
20248,310