"sun child, bright sun"
Sampson
Pronunciation: [ s-AMPS-uhn ]
A Biblical name meaning sun child and mighty strength
Meaning & Origin
"like the sun"
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
Famous People Named Sampson
Sampson Davis
Other
1973
American physician and co-author of The Pact, a memoir about three inner-city friends who became doctors
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sampson
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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.