Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "name of God". It is derived from the biblical figure Samuel, who was a prophet and the last judge of Israel.
The name Samuel has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous is Samuel Pepys, an English diarist who kept a detailed journal of his life during the 17th century. His diary provides valuable insights into the social and political climate of the time.
In Polynesian cultures, particularly in Samoa, the name Samiuela has become popular as well. It is a combination of the name Samuel with the Polynesian suffix "iuela", which means "God". Therefore, Samiuela could be interpreted as meaning "God's gift from God".
Overall, whether of Hebrew or Polynesian origin, the name Samuel and its variations like Samiuela evoke strength and wisdom, reflecting their biblical roots.
The name Samiuela has seen a varied degree of popularity over the years in the United States, with an overall total of 38 babies being born with this unique name since 1986.
In 1986 and again in 1993, five newborns were given the name Samiuela each year. The name then experienced a brief surge in popularity in 1995, with seven births that year. After that peak, the number of babies named Samiuela stabilized at five births per year, seen again in 1999 and 2013.
In recent years, the name has seen some renewed interest, with six babies being named Samiuela in 2019, followed by another five in 2022. This shows that while Samiuela may not be one of the most common names, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for something unique and less ordinary.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the name Samiuela has maintained a steady, if somewhat low, level of popularity over time in the United States.