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Sampson

Pronunciation: [ s-AMPS-uhn ]

Boy Name #3,474 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Biblical name meaning sun child and mighty strength

English Hebrew Biblical
Strong Traditional Classic

Meaning & Origin

"sun child, bright sun"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
"like the sun"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English

The Story of Sampson

Sampson is an English variant of Samson, from the Hebrew name Shimshon, derived from the word shemesh meaning sun. The name translates to sun child or child of the sun. Samson is one of the most famous figures in the Hebrew Bible — a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which resided in his uncut hair.

Sampson has experienced steady use throughout history as a Biblical name with strong resonance. The variant spelling with a p appeared in medieval English usage and gives the name a slightly more distinctive quality than the standard Samson.

The story of Samson and Delilah (Judges 13-16) is one of the most dramatic tales in the Hebrew Bible. Samson is a symbol of extraordinary strength betrayed by love, and his name has been used across centuries in English-speaking countries.

Fun Facts

  • The name Samson/Sampson means child of the sun from the Hebrew word for sun, shemesh
  • Samson is one of the Judges of Israel and appears in the Book of Judges chapters 13-16

Sampson in Other Languages

Greek Σαμψών
French Samson
Hebrew שִׁמְשׁוֹן
Italian Sansone
Spanish Sansón

Famous People Named Sampson

S

Sampson Davis

Other

1973

American physician and co-author of The Pact, a memoir about three inner-city friends who became doctors

S

Samson (Biblical)

Religious

Judge of Israel in the Hebrew Bible, famous for his great strength residing in his long hair

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#3,474
Total SSA Count
33
Cultural Origins
English Hebrew Biblical
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Common Nicknames

Sam Sammy

Pairs Well With

Sampson James Sampson Lee Sampson Thomas Sampson Henry Sampson David

Sibling Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sampson

What does the name Sampson mean?
"sun child, bright sun" (from Hebrew). "like the sun" (from Hebrew). Sampson is an English variant of Samson, from the Hebrew name Shimshon, derived from the word shemesh meaning sun. The name translates to sun child or child of the sun. Samson is one of the most famous figures in the Hebrew Bible — a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which resided in his uncut hair.
What is the origin of the name Sampson?
Sampson has Hebrew, English, and Biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "sun child, bright sun". In Hebrew, it means "like the sun".
Is Sampson a boy or girl name?
Sampson is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Sampson?
Sampson is pronounced s-AMPS-uhn.
How popular is the name Sampson?
Sampson is currently ranked #3474 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sampson?
Common nicknames for Sampson include Sam and Sammy.
What are good middle names for Sampson?
Popular middle name pairings include Sampson James, Sampson Lee, Sampson Thomas, Sampson Henry, and Sampson David.
What are good sibling names for Sampson?
Names that pair well with Sampson as siblings include Delilah, Solomon, Elijah, Miriam, and Benjamin.
How many syllables does Sampson have?
Sampson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Sampson a common or rare name?
Sampson is an uncommon name, ranked #3474 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Sampson

Sampson is a boy name with English, Hebrew, and Biblical origins . The name means "sun child, bright sun" in Hebrew .

Sampson is currently ranked #3,474 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Sampson has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-AMPS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Sampson include Sam and Sammy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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