Samson

Pronunciation: [ s-AMS-uhn ]

Boy Name #523 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

The original strongman of the Bible

Jewish Christian English American

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Meaning & Origin

"sun, like the sun"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

"distinguished, bright"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with the biblical Samson who was deceived and blinded — some parents may see this as cautionary

The Story of Samson

Samson comes from the Hebrew Shimshon, derived from shemesh meaning sun. The name likely described someone as radiant or sun-like. Its fame rests on the biblical figure — the judge of Israel whose legendary physical strength was bound to his uncut hair, making his story one of the Bible's most dramatic tales of power, temptation, and redemption.

Samson has maintained quiet, steady use throughout the English-speaking world for centuries as a biblical classic. It sits comfortably outside the top 100, appealing to parents who want a recognizable but not overused Old Testament name. Its association with strength gives it lasting masculine appeal.

In Jewish tradition, Samson is one of the Shoftim (Judges) of ancient Israel, a divinely empowered warrior. In Christianity, his story of strength lost and redeemed is seen as allegorical. The name appears in Milton's Samson Agonistes and Saint-Saens' opera.

Fun Facts

Samson's story in the Book of Judges spans four chapters — more than most biblical judges
The name Samson means sun in Hebrew, ironic for someone whose story ends in darkness
Milton wrote Samson Agonistes in 1671 inspired by the biblical figure

Samson in Other Languages

Arabic شمشون

French Samson

Hebrew שִׁמְשׁוֹן

Italian Sansone

Spanish Sansón

Famous People Named Samson

Samson Raphael Hirsch

Religious

1808

Influential German rabbi and founder of Neo-Orthodox Judaism

Samson (biblical)

Religious

Judge of Israel renowned for supernatural strength granted through his uncut hair, whose story is told in the Book of Ju...

Judge of Israel renowned for supernatural strength granted through his uncut hair, whose story is told in the Book of Judges

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #523
Total SSA Count: 582
Cultural Origins: Jewish Christian English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Sam Sammy

Pairs Well With

Samson James Samson Lee Samson David Samson Ray Samson Cole Samson Grant

Sibling Names

Delilah Solomon Elijah Noah Naomi Ruth

Similar Names

Solomon Lemuel Simeon Damon Ishmael Salomon Amon Raphael

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Samson

What does the name Samson mean?

"sun, like the sun" (from Hebrew). "distinguished, bright" (from Hebrew). Samson comes from the Hebrew Shimshon, derived from shemesh meaning sun. The name likely described someone as radiant or sun-like. Its fame rests on the biblical figure — the judge of Israel whose legendary physical strength was bound to his uncut hair, making his story one of the Bible's most dramatic tales of power, temptation, and redemption.

What is the origin of the name Samson?

Samson has Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, English, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "sun, like the sun". In Hebrew, it means "distinguished, bright".

Is Samson a boy or girl name?

Samson is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Samson?

Samson is pronounced s-AMS-uhn.

How popular is the name Samson?

Samson is currently ranked #523 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Samson?

Common nicknames for Samson include Sam and Sammy.

What are good middle names for Samson?

Popular middle name pairings include Samson James, Samson Lee, Samson David, Samson Ray, Samson Cole, and Samson Grant.

What are good sibling names for Samson?

Names that pair well with Samson as siblings include Delilah, Solomon, Elijah, Noah, Naomi, and Ruth.

How many syllables does Samson have?

Samson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Samson a common or rare name?

Samson is moderately common, ranked #523 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Samson

Samson is a boy name with Jewish, Christian, English, and American origins . The name means "sun, like the sun" in Hebrew .

Samson is currently ranked #523 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

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

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