Sam Name Meaning

What Does Sam Mean?

Sam is a boy's name with biblical ties. The name Sam is of Hebrew origin and is often used as a nickname forSamuel. Its meanings include "told by God" and "God hears."

In the Old Testament, Samuel is featured as a prophet and judge of the Israelites. Most people bearing the name Sam use it as a nickname, but it is sometimes a given name.

The name Sam has been used for over a century. While it is primarily chosen by parents expecting baby boys, the nickname Sam is a common moniker for girls.

How Popular Is the Name Sam?

As a given name, Sam pales in comparison to the more popular Samuel. While Samuel has been in the top 100 for more than a century, Sam has been off that list for just as long, ending its top-100 run in 1926.

Sam ranked as the No. 653 most popular name for boys in 2020. It reached its peak in 1900 when it was No. 34.

Similar Names

Sam is a concise, masculine name. If you like the sound and origin of the name Sam, you may also appreciate:

• Ben
• Chase
• Finn
• Gabe
• Jack
• Luke
• Max
• Paul

Other boy's names starting with S:

• Salvatore
• Sawyer
• Sebastian
• Sean/Shaun/Shawn
• Seamus
• Silas
• Simon
• Stephen/Steven
• Sullivan
• Sylvester

Common Nicknames

The name Sam is often the abbreviated version of longer names, like Samuel and Samson. However, it can also be used as a standalone name. A common nickname for the name Sam is Sammy, which is a sweet-sounding name for a younger child.

Suggested Sibling Names

The following names may pair well with Sam:

• Abigail
• Benjamin
• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Grace
• Hannah
• Henry
• Lucas
• Michael
• Olivia
• William

Famous People Named Samuel

Because of its longevity, there's certainly no shortage of recognizable Sams (and Samuels). Here are a few notable people who bear the name—both real and fictional:

Famous Sams

• Sam Cooke, American singer-songwriter
• Sam Elliott, American actor
• Sam Kinison, American comedian
• Sam Shepard, American actor-playwright-author
• Sam Smith, English singer-songwriter

Famous Samuels

• Samuel Adams, American politician
• Samuel Beckett, Irish playwright
• Samuel Clemens, Birth name of American author Mark Twain
• Samuel L. Jackson, American actor
• Samuel Morse, American inventor

Fictional Sams

• Sam Axe, "Burn Notice"
• Sam Evans,"Glee"
• Sam Malone, "Cheers"
• Sam Winchester, "Supernatural"
• Sam Wheat, "Ghost"