Samuel - name meaning and origin

The boy's name Samuel \s(a)-muel\ is pronounced SAM-yoo-el. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "God heard". Also possibly as "requested of God", "God's heart" or "God's name". Biblical: the prophet and judge who anointed Saul and David as kings of Israel. The name was used by the Puritans and usage peaked in the 19th century. Opera singer Samuel Ramey; lexicographer Samuel Johnson; playwright Samuel Beckett; author Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain); actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Samuel has 7 variant forms: Sam, Sammie, Sammy, Samuele, Samuello, Samwell and Shem.

For more information, see also the related name Kemuel.

Samuel is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Samuel. Compare Samuel with related baby names.