Find out how popular the first name Sampson has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sampson by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sampson is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sampson.

The history of the first name Sampson

The name Sampson is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical figure Samson, known for his great strength and exploits against the Philistines. The name is a variation of the Hebrew word "Shemesh," meaning "sun." It is believed to have originated during the Iron Age, around the 11th century BCE, in the region of ancient Israel.

The name Sampson gained widespread recognition through the biblical account of Samson, a Nazirite and judge of Israel, whose story is recounted in the Book of Judges. Samson was known for his superhuman strength, which he derived from his uncut hair, a symbol of his dedication to God. His exploits, including slaying a lion with his bare hands and toppling the pillars of a Philistine temple, have become legendary.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Sampson can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible, where the story of Samson is narrated. Throughout history, the name has been borne by notable individuals, such as Sampson Handbury (c. 1751-1841), a British entrepreneur and founder of the Handbury Trading Company.

Another famous bearer of the name was Sampson Gamgee (1828-1886), an English surgeon and pioneer in the field of antiseptic surgery. He is known for his contributions to the development of modern surgical practices and his work in improving patient outcomes.

In the realm of literature, Sampson Carrasco was a fictional character in Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote." He played a pivotal role in the story, attempting to cure Don Quixote of his delusions by engaging him in staged adventures.

During the American Revolutionary War, Sampson Salter Blowers (1742-1842) was a prominent lawyer and judge who served as the Attorney General of Nova Scotia. He played a significant role in the legal and political landscape of the time.

Another notable figure was Sampson Handley (1759-1826), an English architect who designed several notable buildings, including the Old Library at Downing College, Cambridge, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the name Sampson, a name deeply rooted in biblical and cultural significance, and associated with strength, courage, and legendary exploits.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sampson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sampson, please contact us.

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