Samuel: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Samuel is a male name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard". It is one of the most enduring Biblical names, borne by a pivotal prophet and judge in the Hebrew Bible.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | God has heard |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | SAM-yoo-el |
Etymology of Samuel
Samuel derives from the Hebrew name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el), traditionally interpreted as meaning "God has heard" or "name of God". The name combines two elements: shem (name) and El (God), though the exact parsing has been debated by scholars.
The name appears prominently in the Hebrew Bible as the prophet Samuel, who anointed the first two kings of Israel. This biblical association has ensured the name's continuous use across Jewish and Christian cultures for over two millennia.
Samuel entered English through Latin Samuel and Greek Samouel, maintaining remarkable consistency in form across languages. Unlike many biblical names that underwent significant transformation, Samuel has remained recognizable in most European adaptations.
History of Samuel
Origins and Early Use
Samuel first appears in the Book of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20), where Hannah names her son Samuel because "I have asked him of the Lord." The prophet Samuel served as the last judge of Israel and anointed both Saul and David as kings, making him a central figure in Jewish religious tradition.
The name was used among Jewish communities throughout antiquity and the medieval period. Among Christians, it gained traction during the Protestant Reformation when biblical names surged in popularity, particularly among Puritans in England and America.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 16th-17th c. | Protestant Reformation | Puritans adopted biblical names; Samuel became common in England and colonies |
| 18th-19th c. | American Revolution | Samuel Adams and other founders reinforced patriotic associations |
| Late 20th c. | Traditional name revival | Parents seeking classic, non-trendy names boosted Samuel's ranking |
Modern Usage
Samuel has shown remarkable stability in the United States. After maintaining moderate popularity throughout the 20th century, it surged in the 1990s-2000s as part of a broader revival of traditional biblical names. Unlike trendy names that spike and fade, Samuel has consistently ranked in the top 30 for over two decades.
The name is now common across multiple cultures and religious backgrounds, valued for its historical weight, clear pronunciation, and nickname flexibility.
Key insight: This name rose because of its biblical gravitas and timeless sound, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both familiar and distinguished without being overly common.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Samuel when they want to convey tradition, faith, and quiet strength, especially in contexts involving religious heritage or a desire for classic, enduring names.
Variants of Samuel
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Samuel | Standard form |
| French | Samuel | Pronounced sahm-WEL |
| Spanish | Samuel | Pronounced sah-moo-EL |
| German | Samuel | Pronounced ZAH-moo-el |
| Italian | Samuele | Extended form |
| Hebrew | Shemu'el | Original form |
| Russian | Samuil | Cyrillic: Самуил |
| Portuguese | Samuel | Pronounced sah-moo-EL |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Sam, Sammy, Sammie
Similar Names
- Nathaniel - Another four-syllable biblical name meaning "God has given"
- Daniel - Hebrew biblical name ending in "-el" (God)
- Elijah - Biblical prophet name with similar traditional weight
Samuel Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #33 | 877 |
| 1920s | #44 | 4,654 |
| 1940s | #65 | 3,362 |
| 1960s | #91 | 4,711 |
| 1980s | #54 | 6,013 |
| 2000s | #28 | 14,187 |
| 2020s | #25 | 8,585 |
| 2024s | #17 | 8,310 |
Peak: 1880, ranked #17 (1,024 births)
Current (2024): #17 (8,310 births)
Trend analysis: Samuel has climbed steadily since the 1990s, benefiting from the revival of traditional biblical names and parents' preference for classic over trendy choices. Notable bearers like actor Samuel L. Jackson have maintained cultural visibility.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Samuel as a Username
Availability
"samuel" as a username is almost always taken on major platforms due to the name's long-standing popularity. Variations are typically necessary.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | samuel | Professional (rarely available) |
| With numbers | samuel99, sam2024 | Gaming, social media |
| Abbreviated | sam, sammy | Casual, social media |
| Stylized | xsamuel, samuelx | Preserves full name with availability |
| Initials + surname | sjones | Professional contexts |
Digital Impression
Samuel as an ID tends to project:
- Reliability and tradition - because of its biblical heritage and consistent usage
- Approachability - because "Sam" is widely recognized and easy to remember
- Seriousness without pretension - because it balances formality with familiarity
Best for: Professional profiles, creative portfolios, faith-based communities
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid common name conflicts.
Is Samuel good for a username?
Samuel works well as a username if you value classic, recognizable identity markers. However, due to its high popularity (#17 in 2024), you will almost certainly need variations like "sam_creative", "samuel.dev", or number suffixes to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Samuel mean?
Samuel means "God has heard" or "name of God" from Hebrew Shemu'el.
Is Samuel popular?
According to SSA data, Samuel ranks #17 in the US (2024). It is currently stable at high popularity after decades of steady growth.
What are nicknames for Samuel?
Common nicknames: Sam, Sammy, Sammie.
Is Samuel a boy's or girl's name?
Samuel is traditionally and overwhelmingly a male name, though the nickname "Sam" is occasionally used for girls.
How do you pronounce Samuel?
Samuel is pronounced SAM-yoo-el in English. French uses sahm-WEL; Spanish and German emphasize different syllables.
Is Samuel good for a username?
Samuel works well as a username if you value tradition and recognizability, though availability requires variation due to high popularity.
Related Names
- Daniel - Biblical name with similar structure (Hebrew, ending in "-el")
- Nathaniel - Four-syllable biblical name meaning "God has given"
- Sam - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs due to availability
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026