"sun, sun-like"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Shimshon
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The original Hebrew form of mighty Samson, meaning 'sun'
Jewish
Israeli
Biblical
Traditional
Spiritual
Strong
Bold
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"solar one, child of the sun"
Origin: Hebrew (shemesh + on suffix)
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Shimshon
Shimshon is the original Hebrew form of the Biblical name Samson, derived from 'shemesh' (שֶׁמֶשׁ), the Hebrew word for sun. The suffix '-on' is a common Hebrew intensifying or diminutive element, lending the name a meaning like 'sun child' or 'one who is like the sun.' As the name passed through Greek and Latin into English, it became Samson, losing its transparent solar imagery but gaining centuries of Western cultural weight.
While the English form Samson has seen revival as parents seek strong Old Testament names, Shimshon remains largely within traditional Orthodox Jewish and Israeli communities, where preserving the original Hebrew form is a mark of cultural and religious identity.
In Jewish tradition, Shimshon HaGibor—Samson the Hero—is one of the Judges of ancient Israel, celebrated for his supernatural strength granted by God. His story of power, betrayal, and redemption in the Book of Judges has resonated across centuries. In modern Israel, the name evokes both ancient heritage and national strength.
Historical Record
Shimshon first appeared in US Social Security records in 1976.
Over 379 babies have been named Shimshon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shimshon is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,560 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Shimshon is the Hebrew original that became Samson through Greek and Latin translation
- The name literally means 'sun child'—Samson's legendary strength may symbolize the sun's mighty power
Shimshon in Other Languages
Greek
Σαμψών
Latin
Samson
Arabic
شمشون
French
Samson
English
Samson
Spanish
Sansón
Popularity Over Time
#5,560
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Shimshon
S
Samson Raphael Hirsch
Religious
1808
Influential German rabbi and theologian who founded Neo-Orthodox Judaism; his first name is the German form of Shimshon
S
Shimshon (Samson)
Religious
Judge of ancient Israel from the tribe of Dan, known for his divinely granted supernatural strength. His story appears i...
Judge of ancient Israel from the tribe of Dan, known for his divinely granted supernatural strength. His story appears in the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16)
S
Samson (Delilah's Samson)
Other
The Biblical hero whose story of strength and betrayal has inspired countless adaptations in art, opera, film, and liter...
The Biblical hero whose story of strength and betrayal has inspired countless adaptations in art, opera, film, and literature across three millennia
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Compare Shimshon with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,560
- Total SSA Count
- 17
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Shim
Shimmy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shimshon
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Shimshon
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shimshon
What does the name Shimshon mean?
"sun, sun-like" (from Hebrew). "solar one, child of the sun" (from Hebrew (shemesh + on suffix)). Shimshon is the original Hebrew form of the Biblical name Samson, derived from 'shemesh' (שֶׁמֶשׁ), the Hebrew word for sun. The suffix '-on' is a common Hebrew intensifying or diminutive element, lending the name a meaning like 'sun child' or 'one who is like the sun.' As the name passed through Greek and Latin into English, it became Samson, losing its transparent solar imagery but gaining centuries of Western cultural weight.
What is the origin of the name Shimshon?
Shimshon has Hebrew, Hebrew (shemesh + on suffix), Jewish, Israeli, and Biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "sun, sun-like". In Hebrew (shemesh + on suffix), it means "solar one, child of the sun".
Is Shimshon a boy or girl name?
Shimshon is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Shimshon?
Shimshon is currently ranked #5560 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shimshon?
Common nicknames for Shimshon include Shim and Shimmy.
What are good middle names for Shimshon?
Popular middle name pairings include Shimshon David, Shimshon Elijah, Shimshon Aaron, Shimshon Benjamin, Shimshon Isaac, and Shimshon Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Shimshon?
Names that pair well with Shimshon as siblings include Eliyahu, Devorah, Miriam, Yosef, Natan, Rivka, Avigail, and Reuven.
How many syllables does Shimshon have?
Shimshon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Shimshon a common or rare name?
Shimshon is an uncommon name, ranked #5560 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Shimshon?
Are there other spellings for Shimshon?
Related spellings include Shimon.
About the Name Shimshon
Shimshon is a boy name with Jewish, Israeli, and Biblical origins . The name means "sun, sun-like" in Hebrew .
Shimshon is currently ranked #5,560 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Shimshon has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Shimshon include Shim and Shimmy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Shimshon include Shimon . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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