Sam
Sam is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “God has heard”, pronounced SAM. It ranked #647 in the United States in 2025, given to 428 babies, and peaked at #30 in 1882. Common nicknames: Sammy, Sammo.
How popular is Sam in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Sam mean, and where does it come from?
Sam is the short form of Samuel — Hebrew Shemu'el, "God has heard" — and of Samson and Samantha, which is why it works for anyone. It stood at 30th place for American boys in 1882 and has been in continuous use ever since, one of the few nicknames that has never gone out of fashion. Uncle Sam arrived as a personification of the United States around 1812, from a meat packer in Troy, New York, who stamped his barrels US.
How is Sam used around the world?
Sam is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Sam?
Famous People Named Sam
- Sam Cooke — American singer and songwriter
- Sam Shepard — American playwright and actor
- Sam Rockwell — American actor and Academy Award winner
Similar Names to Sam
If you like Sam, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Sam
Looking for names that pair well with Sam? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sam mean?
Sam is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has heard." Sam is the short form of Samuel — Hebrew Shemu'el, "God has heard" — and of Samson and Samantha, which is why it works for anyone. It stood at 30th place for American boys in 1882 and has been in continuous use ever since, one of the few nicknames that has never gone out of fashion.
How do you pronounce Sam?
Sam is pronounced SAM. Common variations include Samuel, Sammy, Samson.
Is Sam a boy name?
Yes, Sam is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Sammy, Sammo.