"sun child, bright sun"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Sampson
Pronunciation: [ s-AMPS-uhn ]
Does Sampson flow with your last name?
A Biblical name meaning sun child and mighty strength
English
Hebrew
Biblical
Strong
Traditional
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"like the sun"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Sampson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,460 babies have been named Sampson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Sampson is past its peak , currently ranked #3,474 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#3,474
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1956
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
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Compare Sampson with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Sampson
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis