Samuel

What does the baby name Samuel mean? Learn about what Samuel means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Samuel - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Samuel
S-A-M-U-E-L, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Samuel
SAM-yoo-əl
SAM yool
Meaning of Samuel
Heard by god, his name is god, to be able to hear god, asked of god, god has hearkened, god hears.
Origin of Samuel
The name 'Samuel' has ancient roots and can be traced back to the Hebrew language. It is derived from the Hebrew name Shemu'el, which means 'heard by God' or 'God has heard'. In the Bible, 'Samuel' was a prophet and judge who anointed Saul and David as kings of Israel. The earliest known use of the name can be found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of 'Samuel'.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Samuel
Sam
Samel
Sammy
Samuele
Samuello
Shem
Popularity of Samuel
Over the years, the popularity of the name 'Samuel' has experienced fluctuations. In the United States, it has consistently been a well-liked name. According to the Social Security Administration, 'Samuel' ranked in the top 100 names for boys from the late 19th century until the present day. There have been notable spikes in usage, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. This could be attributed to various factors, such as cultural influences or the appeal of biblical names during that time.
Samuel currently has 2686 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Diego is slightly more popular than Samuel.

Etymology of Samuel

The etymology of the name 'Samuel' can be traced back to the Hebrew language. The root word 'shama' means 'to hear', and the suffix 'el' is a reference to God. Therefore, the name 'Samuel' can be interpreted as 'heard by God' or 'God has heard.'

Cultural Significance of Samuel

The name 'Samuel' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In the Jewish tradition, 'Samuel' is revered as a prophet and judge who played a crucial role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. He is considered a righteous and wise figure, embodying the qualities of leadership and devotion. In Christianity, 'Samuel' is also recognized as a significant biblical figure, particularly for his anointing of Saul and David.