Liam vs Samuel

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Liam

Boy #1 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strong-willed warrior"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1
Total SSA Count
22,164
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Liam →

Samuel

Boy #17 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"name of God"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Jewish Christian American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#17
Total SSA Count
8,310
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Sam, Sammy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Samuel →

Popularity Comparison

Liam Rank #1
Samuel Rank #17

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 vs #17 for Samuel.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Samuel ___

  • Samuel James
  • Samuel Thomas
  • Samuel Alexander
  • Samuel Joseph
  • Samuel Edward
  • Samuel Grey

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

If you choose Samuel

Eleanor Hannah Nathan Rebecca Elijah

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Liam or Samuel more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Samuel at #17 in the United States.

What do Liam and Samuel mean?

Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin). Samuel means "name of God" (Hebrew origin).

Are Liam and Samuel boy or girl names?

Liam is primarily a boy name. Samuel is primarily a boy name.

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