Boy · 22nd of 23,106
Samuel
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
814,600
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2001
Peak Popularity Year
14,845
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Samuel stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Samuel originates from Hebrew, meaning 'God has heard'. It has evolved through various languages, including Latin and Old French. The name is connected to significant biblical narratives and has been widely used since the Reformation, symbolizing wisdom and leadership. It is well-regarded in modern times and has several common variants.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈsæm.juː.əl/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Samuel derives from the Hebrew name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el), which is often interpreted to mean 'God has heard' or 'name of God'.
Meaning
God has heard
Language Evolution
Hebrew: שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el), Latin: Samuel, Old French: Samuël, Middle English: Samuël
Biblical Background
Samuel is a significant figure in the Bible, serving as a prophet, judge, and anointing the first two kings of Israel.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world after the Reformation and has remained in use throughout history.
Variants & Derivatives
Sam, Samu, Sammy, Shmuel
Modern Popularity & Image
Samuel is viewed positively, often associated with wisdom and leadership due to its biblical connections. It remains a popular name in various cultures.
Famous People
Samuel Adams - American revolutionary and founding father, Samuel L. Jackson - Acclaimed American actor, Samuel Morse - Inventor of the Morse code
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 14,845 peak births in 2001
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 8 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 42nd of 7545 | 77,389 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 63rd of 6773 | 62,680 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 78th of 7552 | 96,673 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 67th of 10718 | 75,452 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 47th of 16616 | 150,841 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 25th of 24088 | 215,625 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 22nd of 23106 | 115,197 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2118th of 9107 | 295 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1836th of 9204 | 364 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2321st of 12526 | 435 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2411th of 19264 | 524 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2537th of 27321 | 720 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5310th of 35406 | 381 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9007th of 30306 | 139 |