Sam: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced SAM · 1 syllable
A diminutive of the given names Samuel and Samson.
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- SAM
- US rank (2025)
- #647
- US babies a year
- about 435 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
How popular is Sam?
Sam was the #647 name in the US in 2025, given to 452 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #647 |
| England & Wales | #260 |
| Scotland | #132 |
| Northern Ireland | #123 |
| Ireland | #52 |
| France | #280 |
| Norway | #274 |
| Canada | #182 |
| Australia | #352 |
How old are people named Sam?
Half of US adults named Sam are older than 61; most are between 21 and 87. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Sam
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Sam have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Sam
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
Questions about Sam
How do you pronounce Sam?
Sam is pronounced SAM.
How popular is the name Sam?
Sam was the #647 name in the US in 2025, given to 452 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Sam?
Half of US adults named Sam are older than 61. Most are between 21 and 87.