Samuel is a Hebrew male given name that means "name of God" or "God heard." It has been used in various forms throughout history and across different cultures.
The name Samuel first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where he is introduced as the last judge of ancient Israel. According to the story, Hannah, who was barren for many years, prayed to God for a child. In response, she gave birth to Samuel, whose name reflects her faith and belief that her prayers had been heard by God. As an adult, Samuel became a prophet and played a crucial role in establishing the monarchy of King David.
Over time, the name Samuel has become popular among many different communities. In England, it was used as early as the 13th century and has remained in common use ever since. Today, Samuel is still a widely recognized and beloved name throughout the world, with many parents choosing it for their sons due to its historic and religious significance.
In terms of its meaning, the name Samuel carries a powerful message about faith and divine intervention. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, people can trust in God's power and mercy. This message has resonated with generations of believers throughout history, making Samuel a timeless and meaningful name choice for many families.
Overall, the name Samuel is rich in history and significance, offering parents a classic and enduring option for their children. Whether they are drawn to its biblical roots or simply appreciate its strong and distinctive sound, many people continue to choose this name as a way to honor tradition while also expressing their unique personal values and beliefs.
The name Samuel has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early 20th century, its usage was relatively low, with only seven births recorded in 1917 and five births each in 1918 and 1920. However, it began to gain traction in the mid-1920s, with ten births in 1921, eight births in both 1923 and 1925, and reaching a peak of fourteen births in both 1927 and 1928.
The popularity of Samuel continued to fluctuate throughout the following decades. In the 1930s, it experienced highs of thirteen births in 1934 and lows of six births in both 1933 and 1963. It hovered around twenty births per year from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, with a notable drop to eleven births in 1971.
However, Samuel saw a resurgence in popularity beginning in the mid-1980s. In 1986, there were thirty-one births, and this number continued to rise throughout the following decade, reaching forty-five births in 1989. This trend continued into the 1990s and early 2000s, with a peak of fifty-six births recorded in both 2007 and 2008.
Since then, the popularity of Samuel has remained relatively stable, with an average of approximately thirty births per year between 2010 and 2023. Despite some fluctuations, it is clear that Samuel has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States throughout the past century.