Samuel
Heard by God — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Samuel in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Samuel
Samuel comes from the Hebrew name Shemu'el, which is generally interpreted as "heard by God" or "name of God," from the Hebrew elements "shama" (to hear) and "El" (God). In the Old Testament, Samuel was the last of the ruling judges of Israel and the prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings. His mother Hannah had prayed fervently for a child, and upon his birth declared that God had heard her prayers. The name has been in continuous use since biblical times, popular among Puritans and remaining a steady favourite through the centuries.
Samuel Around the World
Samuel is used in 6 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Samuel
Famous People Named Samuel
- Samuel L. Jackson — American actor
- Samuel Beckett — Irish playwright and Nobel laureate
- Samuel Adams — American Founding Father and patriot
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Sibling Name Ideas for Samuel
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Heard by God." Samuel comes from the Hebrew name Shemu'el, which is generally interpreted as "heard by God" or "name of God," from the Hebrew elements "shama" (to hear) and "El" (God). In the Old Testament, Samuel was the last of the ruling judges of Israel and the prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings.
How do you pronounce Samuel?
Samuel is pronounced SAM-yoo-ul. Common variations include Samuele, Shmuel, Samwell.
Is Samuel a boy name?
Yes, Samuel is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Sam, Sammy.
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