Sam

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Name of God; Heard

Background: The name Sam originates from the Hebrew name Shmuel, meaning 'name of God.' In Arabic, it is linked to the word 'samā', meaning 'heard.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#262
Total births
128,347
Most popular decade
1910s (56,220 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-118 ranks)
Years in Top 100
47
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

98.8% male 1.2% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
457
First year rank
#36
Peak year
1918
Peak year births
2,505
Peak rank
#75
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
423
Recent rank
#650

Female

First year
1888
First year births
5
First year rank
#1,276
Peak year
1919
Peak year births
36
Peak rank
#1,270
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
18
Recent rank
#6,369

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links