Declining since 2008, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Sammuel since 1917
Babies named Sammuel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 92 |
| 1930s | 95 |
| 1940s | 192 |
| 1950s | 318 |
| 1960s | 229 |
| 1970s | 178 |
| 1980s | 276 |
| 1990s | 345 |
| 2000s | 479 |
| 2010s | 335 |
| 2020s | 152 |
Meaning & origin
Sammuel is an infrequent but enduring variant of the classic Samuel, predominantly given to boys. The name was first recorded in 1917, but its peak popularity occurred much later, in 2009, suggesting a modest revival amid the broader trend of traditional names with distinctive spellings. Since 2008, its usage has been declining, and as of 2025 it ranks 4,396th with roughly 1 in every 74,264 male births. The variant appears most often in Texas, reflecting regional naming preferences. Sammuel's appeal lies in its familiar biblical roots and the subtle orthographic twist that sets it apart from the standard Samuel.
Sammuel is a modern English respelling of Samuel, which derives from the Hebrew name Shemu'el, meaning 'God has heard.' The name Samuel appears in the Old Testament as a prophet and judge. The variant Sammuel, with doubled 'm', emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, reflecting a preference for phonetic or visually distinct spellings.
Where Sammuel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sam, Sammy, Samu
Sibling names for Sammuel
Names that share Sammuel's style, for a brother or sister.
