"sun, like the sun"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Samson
Pronunciation: [ s-AMS-uhn ]
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The original strongman of the Bible
Jewish
Christian
English
American
Strong
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Meaning & Origin
"distinguished, bright"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Samson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 11,611 babies have been named Samson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Samson is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #523 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#523
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Samson
S
Samson Raphael Hirsch
Religious
1808
Influential German rabbi and founder of Neo-Orthodox Judaism
S
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
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Samson
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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.
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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