Samuel: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Samuel mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Name of God; God has heard
Biblical: Asked of God

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Samuel is pronounced sam-yoo-uhl

Samuel originates from the Hebrew name Shemu'el, which means "Name of God" or "God has heard." It is a significant name found in the Old Testament, belonging to the prophet Samuel, who anointed Saul and David as kings of Israel. The name has been widely adopted across the English-speaking world since the Protestant Reformation and continues to be very popular in countries that speak English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Samuel as translates as "the name of God" as a last name. This surname is derived from Medieval English or Hebrew, the English form being introduced by the Crusaders in the 12th century.

The last name Samuel was first found in Cornwall, England in early times. The family name first appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Samuel in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name Samuel?

Samuel "Sam" Vimes from Discworld - The astute and morally upstanding Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch.
Samuel "Sam" Winchester from Supernatural - A hunter of supernatural creatures and one half of the Winchester brothers.
Samuel "Sam" Wilson from Marvel Comics - Also known as the Falcon, an Avenger and close ally to Captain America.
Samuel "Sam" Beckett from Quantum Leap - A physicist who leaps through spacetime during an experiment in time travel.

Popularity of the Name Samuel

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Samuel has consistently maintained its popularity as a favored choice among parents in the United States. This time-tested name has remained a top choice for decades, showcasing its enduring appeal across generations. The name Samuel is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard," and it carries with it a rich historical and biblical significance.

Historically, Samuel has been a prominent name among figures such as Samuel Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Morse code. In the realm of literature, Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, stands out as one of America's most celebrated writers. The arts have seen notable Samuels as well, including the acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson.