Samuel: meaning and origin
Samuel
“Name of God; God has heard”
About the name Samuel
Samuel is a boy’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “name of God; God has heard”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
Samuel is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
- Caleb 👦Faithful, devoted · Hebrew
- Daniel 👦God is my judge · Hebrew
- David 👦Beloved · Hebrew
- Eitan 👦Strong, steady · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, girls)
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
More boy names starting with S
- Santiago 👦Saint James · Spanish
- Sebastian 👦Revered, venerable · Greek
- Silas 👦Of the forest · Latin
- Solomon 👦Peace · Hebrew
- Soren 👦Stern, severe; a form of Severin · Scandinavian
- Spencer 👦Dispenser of provisions · English
- Stephen 👦Crown, wreath · Greek
Questions and answers
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: name of God; God has heard.
Is Samuel a boy or girl name?
Samuel is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Samuel have?
Samuel has 6 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is Samuel a popular name?
Yes. Samuel has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.