Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Samson
BoyHebrew· “of the sun”
- Meaning
- of the sun
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- SAM-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #477
- US babies 2025
- 639
- Best rank
- #477 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Samson
Samson is a Hebrew name that means “of the sun”.
Samson comes from the Hebrew Shimshon, usually connected to shemesh, meaning sun. In the Book of Judges, Samson is a judge of Israel known for his great strength, which depended on his uncut hair, and his story with Delilah is one of the most famous in the Bible. The name has been used for centuries and has recently returned to favor. It feels strong, bold and classic. Sam is the natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Samson first appears in US Social Security records in 1892. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1892. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #477, and its highest count, 639 babies. Use has grown 47% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,875 in 1920, #1,493 in 1950, #965 in 1980, #897 in 2000, #863 in 2010, and #477 in 2025. Of the 12,879 US boys named Samson since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,200 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cassian, Hezekiah, Musa, Makai, and Ayaan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Samson ranked highest in Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #176 | 7 |
| Oklahoma | #291 | 17 |
| Kentucky | #303 | 18 |
| Alabama | #312 | 18 |
| West Virginia | #368 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Samson is usually pronounced SAM-suhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Samson
A few middle names that flow with Samson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Samson
Similar names
Simon Boy
SY-muhn
“he has heard” · Hebrew
#230
Aron Boy
AIR-un
“variant of Aaron” · Hebrew
#711
Jadon Boy
JAY-duhn
“he will judge; also variant of Jaden” · Hebrew
#1,282
Elon Boy
EE-lahn
“oak tree” · Hebrew
#1,780
Amon Boy
AY-muhn
“faithful, trustworthy” · Hebrew
#3,038
Aaron Boy
EH-ruhn
“uncertain; possibly exalted” · Hebrew
#80
Zion Boy
ZY-uhn
“a hill in Jerusalem” · Hebrew
#142
Gideon Boy
GIH-dee-uhn
“one who cuts down” · Hebrew
#337
Solomon Boy
SAH-luh-muhn
“peace” · Hebrew
#422
Jayson Boy
JAY-suhn
“variant of Jason, 'healer'” · Greek
#700
Evan Boy
EH-vuhn
“Yahweh is gracious” · Welsh
#153
Eli Boy
EE-ly
“ascended, uplifted” · Hebrew
#104
Lists that include Samson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samson mean?
Samson is a Hebrew name that means “of the sun”.
What is the origin of the name Samson?
Samson has Hebrew roots. Samson comes from the Hebrew Shimshon, usually connected to shemesh, meaning sun.
Is Samson a popular name?
Yes. Samson ranked #477 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Samson a boy or girl name?
Samson is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Samson?
Samson is usually pronounced SAM-suhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings