Samuel
Samuel first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2001, when 14,813 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 8,334.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Samuel popular?
Declining Samuel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2001 peak.
| 2020s | 50,328 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 108,128 | |
| 2000s | 138,647 | |
| 1990s | 125,597 | |
| 1980s | 73,456 | |
| 1970s | 48,099 | |
| 1960s | 44,247 | |
| 1950s | 53,767 | |
| 1940s | 43,129 | |
| 1930s | 32,135 | |
| 1920s | 43,362 | |
| 1910s | 34,166 | |
| 1900s | 8,149 | |
| 1890s | 7,857 | |
| 1880s | 9,129 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Samuel mean?
Samuel is a Hebrew name read as “God has heard” or “name of God.” The prophet Samuel anointed the first kings of Israel.
Nicknames for Samuel
- Sam
- Sammy
Variants & spellings
- Samuël
- Samuele
Names like Samuel
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Samuel
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel means God has heard. Samuel is a Hebrew name read as “God has heard” or “name of God.” The prophet Samuel anointed the first kings of Israel.
What is the origin of the name Samuel?
Samuel is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Samuel?
Samuel is pronounced “SAM-yoo-el.”
Is Samuel a boy or a girl name?
Samuel is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Samuel a popular name right now?
Samuel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2001 peak.
How popular is the name Samuel?
In 2025, Samuel ranked #18 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Samuel most popular?
Samuel was most popular in 2001, when about 14,813 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Samuel?
Common nicknames for Samuel include Sam, Sammy.
What names are similar to Samuel?
Names similar to Samuel include Nathan, Benjamin, Daniel, Eli.
What names go well with Samuel?
Hebrew names that pair well with Samuel include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.