Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Samuel
BoyHebrew· “God has heard”
- Meaning
- God has heard
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- SAM-yoo-uhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #18
- US babies 2025
- 8,334
- Best rank
- #17 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2001
Meaning and origin of Samuel
Samuel is a Hebrew name that means “God has heard”.
Samuel comes from the Hebrew Shemu'el, usually explained as "God has heard" or "name of God". In the Bible, Samuel is born after his mother Hannah prays for a child, and he grows up to be a prophet and judge who anoints Saul and David as kings of Israel. The name became common in England after the Protestant Reformation and was a Puritan favorite in colonial America. Samuel Johnson, the English lexicographer, and Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, are famous bearers. Samuel feels both classic and gentle today. Sam and Sammy are the natural nicknames, and Samuele is the Italian form.
Popularity over time
Samuel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #17 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2001, when 14,813 were named Samuel. In 2025, 8,334 babies were named Samuel, and it ranked #18 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #44 in 1920, #62 in 1950, #54 in 1980, #28 in 2000, #24 in 2010, and #18 in 2025. Of the 820,196 US boys named Samuel since records began, 17% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 125,597 babies. Since 2010, 158,456 more have been named Samuel.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Christian, Dylan, Jose, Cameron, and Hunter.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Samuel ranked highest in Alabama, Washington, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #8 | 199 |
| Washington | #9 | 246 |
| Arkansas | #12 | 99 |
| District of Columbia | #12 | 33 |
| North Carolina | #13 | 334 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Samuel is usually pronounced SAM-yoo-uhl, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Samuel
A few middle names that flow with Samuel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Samuel
Similar names
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Lists that include Samuel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel is a Hebrew name that means “God has heard”.
What is the origin of the name Samuel?
Samuel has Hebrew roots. Samuel comes from the Hebrew Shemu'el, usually explained as "God has heard" or "name of God".
Is Samuel a popular name?
Yes. Samuel ranked #18 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Samuel a boy or girl name?
Samuel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Samuel?
Samuel is usually pronounced SAM-yoo-uhl. 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