Sam Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity
A name that embodies strength and courage.
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In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History Of Sam
- ❯How To Pronounce Sam?
- ❯‘Sam’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Sam
- ❯Sam On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Sam On MomJunction Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Sam Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Sam’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Sam
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Sam
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With S
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Sam
- ❯Names Rhyming With Sam
- ❯Popular Songs On The Name Sam
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Sam
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Sam
- ❯Sam’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Sam’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Sam Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Sam's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Sam In Different Languages
- ❯Sam In Fancy Fonts
- ❯Adorable ‘Sam’ Wallpapers To Share
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Sam In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Sam
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Sam
- ❯Sam In Literature
- ❯Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Sam
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Sam
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Sam
Sam is a short form for Samson, Samuel, and Samantha. It means ‘God has placed’ or ‘God has set.’ According to the scriptures mentioned in the Old Testament, Samuel was one of the last ruling judges. He conferred the title of the first King of Israel to Saul and later did the same to David. The name Sam became popular in Europe after the Protestant Reformation. Samuel is a revered prophet in all three major Abrahamic religions, as he finds mention in the New Testament, the Quran, and the Antiquities of the Jews.
Sam is also the shortened form of Samson, one of the last judges in ancient Israel. Often compared to the Greek Heracles and the Sumerian Gilgamesh, he was a man of extraordinary strength capable of performing wondrous feats. His name meant ‘Man of the Sun’ in Hebrew. Unfortunately, he was betrayed by his lover, Delilah, who cut his hair which held all his strength. Taking advantage of his weakness, the Philistines abducted him and brought him to their temple. However, Samson used whatever power he had to bring down the temple, killing himself and others. Another theory is that a Welsh bishop named Saint Samson may have made the name popular among the Normans, who brought it to England.
Sammi, Sammy, and Sammie are its common variants. At the same time, some variations of Sam in other languages include Samuil (Bulgarian), Shimson (Biblical Hebrew), Samoil (Macedonian), Samanta, Samu (Spanish), and Samuhel (Biblical Latin).
In fiction, Samwise Gamgee is a character from the epic-fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien titled ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ He is a hobbit and the supporting role to the protagonist Frodo Baggins. As a member of the Fellowship of the Ring, he undergoes many trials and tribulations to destroy the One Ring. A personification of the United States, Uncle Sam represents American patriotism and culture. Sam Vimes appears in the eighth book ‘Guards! Guards!’ of the Discworld series by author Terry Pratchett.
Sam
How To Pronounce Sam?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Sam in English.
‘Sam’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Sam
This section covers people who have made the name Sam famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Sam WaltonBusinessman and entrepreneur
- Sam ShepardPlaywright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director
- Sam NeillActor, director, producer, and writer
- Sam SmithSinger-songwriter
- Sam RockwellActor
- Sam BradfordAmerican football quarterback known for his stints in the National Football League
- Sam FuldAmerican former baseball outfielder and the current general manager of Philadelphia Phillies
- Sam KerrAustralian soccer player who represents their national team and Chelsea club
- Sam WorthingtonEnglish-born Australian actor known for his leading role in the Avatar franchise
Sam On The Popularity Chart
Sam’s popularity has consistently fluctuated even though it is a popular name for baby boys. Let us study the data released by the Social Security Administration.
Popularity Over Time
The name’s popularity has surged in 1991, 2004, and 2007. However, it remains one of the most famous monikers, averaging 411 babies per million as of 2021.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
In terms of ranking, the name’s popularity has declined over the years. From an all-time high of 12504 in 1983, it is currently languishing at 18201 in the chart.
Source: Social Security AdministrationSam On MomJunction Popularity Chart
Know how popular the name Sam is among the MomJunction readers. We used a unique approach to gather relevant insights for creating this popularity chart by observing the interactions and interest around the name on our platform. See what the trend has been among our readers over these past years.
Popularity Within US States
If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Sam in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.
California
Texas
Florida
Source: Social Security AdministrationSam Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Sam fares on that count.
Sam’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Sam in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Sam’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Sam’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
Bonecrusher | Sam Langford | Marc John Jefferies |
Some/Day | Sam | Denise Mosiana |
Everything Is Out to Get Me | Sam | Joshua Whincup |
Messages | Sam | Kenny Moses |
Love Sophie | Sam | Joey Luthman |
Alibi Reed (Acoustic) | Sam Connor | Sam Connor |
Before the Flood | Sam | Trevor Black |
Don't Forget to Bring a Towel | Sam | Simon Ellis |
Step One | Sam | John Fantasia |
Blink Time | Sam | Grace Chim |
Names With Similar Sound As Sam
Consider the suggestions below if you are looking for a different name similar to Sam.
Popular Sibling Names For Sam
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Sam, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Sam
Find matching brother names for Sam and create a wonderful team of siblings.
SaamiGirl Sibling Names For Sam
Looking for some suitable sister names for Sam? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
SaamOther Popular Names Beginning With S
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter S to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Sam
If you look forward to a different name with the same meaning as Sam, you can look at some of the examples listed below.
Names Rhyming With Sam
The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Sam.
Popular Songs On The Name Sam
Acrostic Poem On Sam
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Sam with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Sharp mind that sparkles with creativity, shining brilliantly.
Affectionate heart, you speak through loving actions.
Mystical as the star-speckled moonlit night.
Adorable Nicknames For Sam
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Sam.
- Sammy
- Sammie
- Samson
- Samu
- Samuels
Sam’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Sam’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Sam. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Kumbha (Aquarius) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Kumbha (Aquarius) rashi | G, S, SH |
Representation | Water-bearer |
Element | Air |
Ruling body | Saturn |
Quality | Fixed |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Kumbha (Aquarius) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Dhanishta (Avittam) | Aquarius (0 to 6.40 degrees) | Mars | Ga, Gi, Gu, Ge, Gee |
Satabhisha (Shatabhisham, Chathayam) | Aquarius (6.40 to 20 degrees) | Rahu | Go, Sa, Saa, Si, Su, Soo, See, Gau |
Poorvabhadrapada (Purvabhadra, Pururuttathy) | Aquarius (20 to 30 degrees) | Jupiter | Se, So, Dha, Dhi, Di, Da, Daa, Dee |
Sam Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Sam is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
SYou are charming, charismatic, and emotional. You have a magnetic presence, but you can sometimes be pretty intense..
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
MYou are methodical and like to work in a traditional and conventional manner. You manage to achieve success most of the time.
Infographic: Know The Name Sam‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Sam In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Sam in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Sam, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Sam | English | en |
萨姆 | Chinese | zh-CN |
सैम | Hindi | hi |
Sam | Spanish | es |
Sam | French | fr |
سام | Arabic | ar |
স্যাম | Bengali | bn |
Sam | Portuguese | pt |
Сэм | Russian | ru |
سیم | Urdu | ur |
Sam | Indonesian | id |
Sam | German | de |
サム | Japanese | ja |
सैम | Marathi | mr |
సామ్ | Telugu | te |
Sam | Turkish | tr |
சாம் | Tamil | ta |
Sam | Vietnamese | vi |
Sam | Tagalog | tl |
샘 | Korean | ko |
Sam | Hausa | ha |
Sam | Swahili | sw |
Sam | Javanese | jv |
Sam | Italian | it |
ਸੈਮ | Punjabi | pa |
સેમ | Gujarati | gu |
แซม | Thai | th |
ಸ್ಯಾಮ್ | Kannada | kn |
ሳም | Amharic | am |
सैम | Bhojpuri | bho |
Sam | Yoruba | yo |
Sam In Fancy Fonts
Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.
- Double Struck Font𝕊 𝕒 𝕞
- Bold Script Font𝓢 𝓪 𝓶
- Fancy Style 35 Fontš α m
- Fancy Style 7 FontŞ Δ Μ
- Love FontS♥ a♥ m♥
- Black Square Font🆂 🅰 🅼
- Hand Writing 2 FontS α ɱ
- X Above Bellow FontS͓̽ a͓̽ m͓̽
Liked our fancy fonts for Sam? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.
Sam 3D Wallpaper
Sam Birthday Wallpaper
‘I Love Sam’ Wallpaper
Stylish Sam Wallpaper
Sam Name Initial Wallpaper
How To Communicate The Name Sam In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Sam
In Sign Language
Sam
In Braille Alphabet
Sam
In Morse Code
Sam
In Barcode
In Binary
01010011 01100001 01101101
Name Numerology For Sam
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Sam, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You are meant to love and care for your near and dear ones. You will cater to the needs of others and helping them will give you peace, beauty, and harmony in life.
Personality Number
Community leaders, who are socially active and involve others. Adventurous, highly passionate, love traveling, and typically athletic. You are drawn to anything that is stimulating such as food, drugs, alcohol, sex and more.
Soul Number
Independent, and have a strong desire to become a leader in your respective field. You long to be in complete control of your destiny.
Baby Name Lists Containing Sam
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Sam and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
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Sam In Literature
Sam has captured the imagination of storytellers over the years. Here’s a list of literary works carrying the name Sam.
- Sam's cookie
- Sam's sandwich
- Sam and the firefly
- Sam: a novel
Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Sam
Discover the presence of Sam in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
---|---|---|
How I Learned to Fly | Der Sommer, als ich fliegen lernte, Kuidas ma õppisin lendama, Lato, kiedy nauczyłam się latać, Leto kada sam naucila da letim, Ljeto kada sam naučila letjeti, Πώς έμαθα να πετάω, Как се научих да летя, Лето, когда я научилась летать | 2022 |
Sam Now | Sam sada | 2022 |
Sam & Kate | Sam, Todo queda en casa, Сэм и Кейт | 2022 |
The Living Sandbag | Sam Hoi | 2021 |
Sam and Dan Get Lost | 2021 | |
Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie | 2021 | |
Sam Morril: Full Capacity | 2021 | |
Alles ist. Hin?/Sam's Bar | 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Sam?
The name Sam means ‘God has set’ or ‘Man of the Sun.’
2. What is the origin of the name Sam?
Sam is of Hebrew origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Sam?
Sam is pronounced as sam.
4. Are there any notable historical figures or famous individuals with the name ‘Sam’?
Yes, there are many notable figures named Sam. For instance, Sam Peckinpah is an American film director and screenwriter, and Sam Houston is an American politician who played a major role in Texas becoming a part of the U.S. Also, Sam Cooke is a famous American singer who was a contemporary of the legendary Ray Charles.
5. Are there any famous landmarks or places with the name “Sam”?
Yes, there are some famous places with the name Sam. For instance, Sam McGee’s Cabin is a reproduction of a late 19th-century cabin originally constructed in the Yukon Territory. This particular cabin gained renown through the poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” penned by Robert Service. Samuel Wilson, an American meatpacker, is purportedly the source of the term ‘Uncle Sam’ used for the United States. His grave in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy is a tourist attraction and is known as Uncle Sam’s Grave.
References
- Sam (N.)
https://www.etymonline.com/word/SAM - Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Sam
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Sam in American and British accents.
- In American English: /sæm/
- In British English: /sæm/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Sam trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Sam might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/s/ | Raising the sides of the front of the tongue but lowering the tip. Severely obstructs the airflow and causes friction |
/æ/ | Tongue low front, spread lips. Airflow is continuous |
/m/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
Community Experiences
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