Boy name · Hebrew
Samuel
“heard by God”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Samuel.
Explore Samuel further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Samuel — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Samuel is the Hebrew Shemuel — "heard by God" — the prophet whose mother Hannah prayed for a child and named him for the answer. The name has carried that sense of a wished-for arrival ever since.
A Puritan cornerstone (Samuel Adams, Samuel Clemens), it has never left the American top 100 in recorded history and holds twenty-fifth place in 2024.
Samuel offers full-dress formality with Sam — one of the friendliest nicknames in existence — built in. It pairs well with short middles (Samuel Reed) or vintage ones (Samuel Everett). On our vibe map it is bedrock Heirloom: the name that already sounds like a grandfather worth being named after.
More Hebrew names
Samuel sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Samuel — common questions
Is Samuel a boy or girl name?
Samuel is traditionally a boy name of Hebrew origin. It ranked #18 among US boys' names in 2025.
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel means “heard by God” of Hebrew origin. Samuel is the Hebrew Shemuel — "heard by God" — the prophet whose mother Hannah prayed for a child and named him for the answer. The name has carried that sense of a wished-for arrival ever since.
Where does the name Samuel come from?
Samuel is Hebrew in origin. A Puritan cornerstone (Samuel Adams, Samuel Clemens), it has never left the American top 100 in recorded history and holds twenty-fifth place in 2024.
What are common nicknames for Samuel?
Sam and Sammy — the short-forms parents most often use for Samuel.
How popular is Samuel?
Samuel ranked #18 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Samuel you might want for the nursery.