What does Samson mean and where does it come from?
Samson is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, spelled as 'שִׁמְשׁוֹן' in Hebrew. It is derived from the word 'shemesh', meaning 'sun'. The most notable figure with this name is Samson from the biblical narrative, known for his incredible strength and his relationships with Delilah. The name has been
Cultural significance
Samson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #477 in 2025 — currently #477 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Samson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Samson?
Samson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Samson Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Samson John
One syllable · timeless choice
Samson Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Samson Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Samson Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Samson Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Samson right now?
Rising — up 45 spots — currently #477 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #477 | 639 | ▲ up 45 · +9% births |
| 2024 | #522 | 585 | ▲ up 41 · +13% births |
| 2023 | #563 | 517 | ▲ up 21 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #584 | 490 | ▲ up 6 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #590 | 473 | ▼ down 19 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #571 | 485 | ▲ up 45 · +12% births |
| 2015 | #616 | 434 | ▲ up 245 · +79% births |
| 2010 | #861 | 243 | ▲ up 237 · +62% births |
| 2005 | #1098 | 150 | ▼ down 201 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #897 | 174 | ▲ up 109 · +43% births |
| 1995 | #1006 | 122 | ▼ down 90 · -3% births |
| 1990 | #916 | 126 | ▼ down 48 · +16% births |
| 1985 | #868 | 109 | ▲ up 97 · +25% births |
| 1980 | #965 | 87 | ▲ up 423 · +118% births |
| 1975 | #1388 | 40 | — |
The story of Samson
Samson has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. A total of 10,144 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1274 in 1900 to #563 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Samson in 2025:
Samson by decade
Samson peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 19 | |
| 1900s | 18 | |
| 1910s | 135 | |
| 1920s | 169 | |
| 1930s | 138 | |
| 1940s | 145 | |
| 1950s | 243 | |
| 1960s | 256 | |
| 1970s | 529 | |
| 1980s | 937 | |
| 1990s | 1,273 | |
| 2000s | 1,913 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,884 | |
| 2020s | 1,709 | |
What are good nicknames for Samson?
Famous people named Samson
S(
Samson (historical community leader)
Samson led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
S(
Samson (historical figure)
Samson 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 Samson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Samson also consider these
How is Samson written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Samson
What does the name Samson mean?
Samson means "Hebrew" — 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 Samson?
Samson is currently ranked #563 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Samson?
Samson 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 Samson?
Samson is a two-syllable name pronounced SAMS-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Samson a classic or a modern name?
Samson has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.