Samuel is a Hebrew male name that originates from the Bible. In the Old Testament, Samuel was a prophet who anointed King David and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. The name means "name of God" or "God heard," which reflects the belief that Samuel's birth was answered prayers by his mother Hannah.
The name Samuel has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including several saints and prominent historical figures such as Samuel Pepys, a 17th-century English naval administrator and Member of Parliament. It remains a popular choice for parents today due to its biblical significance and timeless appeal.
In terms of popularity, Samuel has consistently ranked among the most common boy's names in various countries over the past few decades. For instance, it was among the top 50 boys' names in both the United States and England during the 2010s. This enduring popularity can be attributed to its biblical origins and classic sound.
In summary, Samuel is a strong and meaningful name with deep roots in religious history. Its translation as "name of God" or "God heard" gives it profound significance while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic that has made it a popular choice for parents across cultures and generations.
The name Samuele has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past few decades, with an average of around 7 births per year since 1985. However, there have been some fluctuations in its popularity over time.
In the mid-1980s to early 1990s, Samuele was given to between 5 and 11 babies each year. It saw a brief spike in popularity in 1999 with 14 births recorded that year. After this peak, the number of newborns named Samuele fell again, averaging around 7 births per year from 2000 to 2010.
The name experienced another slight increase in popularity between 2010 and 2015, with around 9-10 babies named Samuele each year. However, it has since declined once more, with only 5 births recorded in both 2022 and the most recent year available (2021).
Overall, a total of 248 newborns have been given the name Samuele in the United States between 1985 and 2022. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Samuele remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon but memorable name for their child.