Samuel: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced SAM-yoo-uhl · 3 syllables
Samuel means “God has heard”, from Hebrew.
From Latin Samuel, from Ancient Greek (Samouel), from Biblical Hebrew (s mu el, literally “'God has set' or 'God has placed'”). Taken to mean a contraction of popular folk etymology (“I have asked/borrowed him from God”) (Modern: S iltiv me El, Tiberian: Si iltiw me El) by way of (“asked/borrowed from God”) from 1 Samuel 1:20.
- Meaning
- God has heard
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- SAM-yoo-uhl
- US rank (2025)
- #18
- US babies a year
- about 8,356 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Classic, Biblical
- Nicknames
- Sam, Sammy
How popular is Samuel?
Samuel was the #18 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,342 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Most popular in Alabama (#7), Washington (#9), Washington, DC (#10).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #18 |
| England & Wales | #47 |
| Scotland | #80 |
| Northern Ireland | #82 |
| Ireland | #79 |
| France | #69 |
| Norway | #74 |
| Canada | #29 |
| Australia | #46 |
How old are people named Samuel?
Half of US adults named Samuel are older than 35; most are between 19 and 77. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Samuel
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Samuel have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Samuel
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- The most popular boy names in the US
- Classic boy names
- Vintage boy names
- Comeback boy names
- Biblical boy names
- Hebrew boy names
Questions about Samuel
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel means “God has heard”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Samuel?
Samuel is pronounced SAM-yoo-uhl.
How popular is the name Samuel?
Samuel was the #18 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,342 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Samuel?
Half of US adults named Samuel are older than 35. Most are between 19 and 77.