The name Samuel, of Hebrew origin, means 'name of God.' It is derived from the Hebrew word 'shmuel,' which comes from the verb 'shamel,' meaning to hear or to listen. This name has a rich history and significance in Judaism, as it was borne by several important figures in the Old Testament, most notably Samuel the prophet, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the monarchy in ancient Israel.
"The name Samuel experienced a significant peak in popularity around the late 1980s with a total of 68 births between 1983 and 1990, before declining thereafter with fluctuations ranging from 5 to 8 births annually until 1994. Overall, there were 118 babies named Samuel over these two decades."