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:
BenChaseFinnGabeJackLukeMaxPaul
Other boy’s names starting with S:
SalvatoreSawyerSebastianSean/Shaun/ShawnSeamusSilasSimonStephen/StevenSullivanSylvester
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:
AbigailBenjaminElizabethEmmaGraceHannahHenryLucasMichaelOliviaWilliam
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-songwriterSam Elliott, American actorSam Kinison, American comedianSam Shepard, American actor-playwright-authorSam Smith, English singer-songwriter
Famous Samuels
Samuel Adams, American politicianSamuel Beckett, Irish playwrightSamuel Clemens, Birth name of American author Mark TwainSamuel L. Jackson, American actorSamuel Morse, American inventor
Fictional Sams
Sam Axe, “Burn Notice"Sam Evans, “Glee"Sam Malone, “Cheers"Sam Winchester, “Supernatural"Sam Wheat, “Ghost”
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