Name meaning

Samuel Name Meaning - God has heard (Hebrew)

Meaning
God has heard
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy
Pronunciation
SA-MU-E-L

Samuel means "God has heard" (Hebrew). Etymologically, Samuel belongs to Hebrew naming and is usually defined as "God has heard." Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning God has heard.

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Guides Connected to Samuel

Meaning and Linguistic Breakdown

Etymologically, Samuel belongs to Hebrew naming and is usually defined as "God has heard." Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning God has heard.

Origin and Historical Usage

Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning God has heard. The prophet Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel. Samuel is also the name of two books of the Bible. Samuel Johnson compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary; Samuel Adams was a founding father. Parents who choose Samuel often cite sound and family heritage as much as dictionary meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic
SA-MU-E-L
Syllables
2

Geographic and Cultural Usage

Samuel is heard in Hebrew-heritage families and among parents who want a name tied to Hebrew sound. English speakers may need one pronunciation cue; after that it is usually easy to remember.

Popularity

Ranked #12 in our dataset. Compare with your country's official baby-name tables before deciding on rarity.

Notable People Named Samuel

  • S
    Samuel L. Jackson
  • S
    Samuel Adams
  • S
    Samuel Johnson
  • S
    Samuel Beckett

Variants and Related Names

Spelling variants

  • Sam — alternate form of Samuel
  • Sammy — alternate form of Samuel
  • Samuele — alternate form of Samuel
  • Sami — alternate form of Samuel
  • Shmuel — alternate form of Samuel

Frequently Asked Questions about Samuel

What does Samuel mean?
Samuel means "God has heard" in Hebrew tradition. Etymologically, Samuel belongs to Hebrew naming and is usually defined as "God has heard." Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning God has heard.
How do you pronounce Samuel?
Samuel is pronounced SA-MU-E-L (2 syllables).
What language is Samuel from?
Samuel comes from Hebrew. Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning God has heard.
Is Samuel a boy or girl name?
Samuel is primarily used as a boy's name.
What does Samuel mean in English?
English references usually translate Samuel as "God has heard." It is not an English word; the gloss comes from Hebrew.
Is Samuel a rare name?
Ranked #12 in our dataset. Compare with your country's official baby-name tables before deciding on rarity.
What is the origin of the name Samuel?
Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning God has heard. The prophet Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel. Samuel is also the name of two books of the Bible. Samuel Johnson compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary; Samuel Adams was a founding father. Parents who choose Samuel often cite sound and family heritage as much as dictionary meaning.
What are variants of Samuel?
Documented forms include: Sam; Sammy; Samuele; Sami; Shmuel.
Who are famous people named Samuel?
Notable bearers include Samuel L. Jackson, Samuel Adams, Samuel Johnson, Samuel Beckett.

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