What does Sampson mean and where does it come from?
The name Sampson is derived from the Hebrew name שִׁמְשֹון (Shimshon), which means 'little sun'. In the Bible, Samson is a Judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which he derived from his uncut hair. The name became popular in the English-speaking world in the 16th century. Variations
Cultural significance
Sampson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the sun.
Peak popularity
Reached #417 in 1898 — currently #3435 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sampson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sampson?
Sampson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sampson Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Sampson John
One syllable · timeless choice
Sampson Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Sampson Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Sampson Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Sampson Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Sampson right now?
Rising — up 11 spots — currently #3435 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3435 | 34 | ▲ up 11 |
| 2024 | #3446 | 34 | ▼ down 233 · -11% births |
| 2023 | #3213 | 38 | ▼ down 225 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #2988 | 42 | ▼ down 225 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #2763 | 46 | ▼ down 409 · -18% births |
| 2020 | #2354 | 56 | ▼ down 31 |
| 2015 | #2323 | 56 | ▲ up 1130 · +81% births |
| 2010 | #3453 | 31 | ▼ down 492 · -11% births |
| 2005 | #2961 | 35 | ▼ down 381 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #2580 | 36 | ▼ down 279 · +6% births |
| 1995 | #2301 | 34 | ▼ down 213 · -3% births |
| 1990 | #2088 | 35 | ▼ down 213 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #1875 | 31 | ▼ down 102 · -3% births |
| 1980 | #1773 | 32 | ▲ up 448 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #2221 | 20 | — |
The story of Sampson
Sampson has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,705 total births recorded, Sampson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1037 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3213 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sampson in 1898:
Sampson by decade
Sampson peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 76 | |
| 1890s | 103 | |
| 1900s | 118 | |
| 1910s | 249 | |
| 1920s | 348 | |
| 1930s | 266 | |
| 1940s | 246 | |
| 1950s | 303 | |
| 1960s | 243 | |
| 1970s | 222 | |
| 1980s | 313 | |
| 1990s | 365 | |
| 2000s | 354 | |
| 2010s ★ | 443 | |
| 2020s | 124 | |
💎With 3,705 total births, Sampson is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Sampson?
Famous people named Sampson
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Sampson (historical figure)
Sampson bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Sampson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sampson also consider these
Common questions about the name Sampson
What does the name Sampson mean?
Sampson means "of the Sun" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Sampson?
Sampson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Sampson?
Sampson originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Sampson?
Sampson is a two-syllable name pronounced SAMPS-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sampson a common or rare name?
Sampson is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.