Samsonov
A Russian surname derived from the biblical name Samson, meaning "sun child".
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Samsonov. That puts it at #147,253 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Samsonov surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#147,253
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
112
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 112 bearers of the surname Samsonov in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 147253rd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Samsonov, the largest self-reported group is White at 100.0%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Samsonov
The surname Samsonov is of Russian origin, with its roots dating back to the 17th century. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the Russian name Samson, which in turn traces its origins to the biblical figure Samson, known for his immense strength.
The earliest recorded instances of the Samsonov surname can be found in various historical documents and records from the Russian Empire, particularly in the regions of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The name's initial spelling variations included Samsonoff and Samsonof.
One notable early bearer of the Samsonov name was Ivan Samsonov, a Russian military leader born in the late 16th century. He played a crucial role in the defense of Moscow during the Polish-Russian War of 1605-1618, earning recognition for his bravery and strategic acumen.
In the 18th century, the Samsonov family gained prominence with Alexei Samsonov, a wealthy merchant and landowner who established a successful trading business in St. Petersburg. His descendants continued to contribute to the economic and cultural life of the city.
The 19th century saw the rise of several prominent figures bearing the Samsonov surname, including Nikolai Samsonov (1815-1887), a revered Russian architect known for his work on the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.
Another notable figure was Alexander Samsonov (1859-1914), a Russian general who played a significant role in the early stages of World War I. He led the Russian Second Army during the initial Russian invasion of East Prussia but suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Tannenberg in 1914, ultimately taking his own life after the battle.
In the realm of literature, the Samsonov name is associated with Vasily Samsonov (1884-1942), a renowned Russian writer and poet who contributed to the development of the Soviet literary canon in the early 20th century.
Throughout its history, the Samsonov surname has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including military leaders, businessmen, artists, and intellectuals, all leaving their mark on the cultural tapestry of Russia.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Samsonov
Among Census respondents with the surname Samsonov, the largest self-reported group is White at 100.0%.
The bar chart below shows how Samsonov bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Samsonov surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White100.0%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Samsonov surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #147,253 | #147,253 | 0.0% |
| Count | 112 | 112 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Samsonov bearers went from 112 to 112 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #147,253 to #147,253.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Samsonov
FAQ
Samsonov surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Samsonov?
The surname Samsonov holds position #147,253 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Samsonov surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Samsonov, the largest self-reported group is White at 100.0%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.