What does Samuel mean and where does it come from?
The name Samuel (Hebrew: שמואל) has its roots in the Hebrew Bible, being borne by a key prophet and judge in Israel. This name has been first recorded in the Old Testament, where Samuel is known for anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. The name has historically been used in vario
Cultural significance
Samuel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of his name is god.
Peak popularity
Reached #17 in 1880 — currently #19 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Samuel?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Samuel?
Samuel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Samuel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Samuel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Samuel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Samuel Claire
French influence · crisp
Samuel Jane
Literary · strong
Samuel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Samuel right now?
Holding steady — currently #19 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #19 | 8,019 | stable · -5% births |
| 2022 | #19 | 8,414 | ▲ up 4 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #23 | 8,573 | ▲ up 2 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #25 | 8,488 | ▼ down 2 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #23 | 10,865 | ▲ up 1 · -9% births |
| 2010 | #24 | 11,963 | ▼ down 3 · -16% births |
| 2005 | #21 | 14,251 | ▲ up 7 · +1% births |
| 2000 | #28 | 14,171 | ▲ up 5 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #33 | 12,435 | ▲ up 12 · +14% births |
| 1990 | #45 | 10,887 | ▲ up 9 · +55% births |
| 1985 | #54 | 7,005 | stable · +16% births |
| 1980 | #54 | 6,013 | ▲ up 7 · +30% births |
| 1975 | #61 | 4,622 | ▲ up 1 · +1% births |
| 1970 | #62 | 4,558 | ▲ up 22 · +4% births |
| 1965 | #84 | 4,396 | — |
The story of Samuel
Samuel has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #17 in 1880. Over 781K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Samuel is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Samuel in 1880:
Samuel by decade
Samuel peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 9,129 | |
| 1890s | 7,873 | |
| 1900s | 8,173 | |
| 1910s | 34,265 | |
| 1920s | 43,602 | |
| 1930s | 32,323 | |
| 1940s | 43,314 | |
| 1950s | 53,973 | |
| 1960s | 44,525 | |
| 1970s | 48,473 | |
| 1980s | 73,967 | |
| 1990s | 125,853 | |
| 2000s ★ | 138,699 | |
| 2010s | 107,861 | |
| 2020s | 8,502 | |
What are good nicknames for Samuel?
What names sound and feel like Samuel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Samuel also consider these
How is Samuel written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Samuel?
Common questions about the name Samuel
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel means "His name is God" — a name rooted in English 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 Samuel?
Samuel is currently ranked #19 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Samuel?
Samuel originates from English tradition. English 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 Samuel?
Samuel is a two-syllable name pronounced S AA1 M UW1 EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Samuel more of a girl or boy name?
Samuel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.