Declining since 1989, #1,852 for boys today.
Popularity of Sammy since 1896
Babies named Sammy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 78 |
| 1910s | 480 |
| 1920s | 1,842 |
| 1930s | 4,173 |
| 1940s | 9,360 |
| 1950s | 8,105 |
| 1960s | 6,602 |
| 1970s | 3,888 |
| 1980s | 2,621 |
| 1990s | 2,235 |
| 2000s | 2,045 |
| 2010s | 1,310 |
| 2020s | 638 |
Meaning & origin
Sammy is a friendly, diminutive name that has been in steady use in the United States since 1896, though its popularity has declined from a peak in 1946. Today, it ranks 1,852th (as of 2025), with approximately 1 in 20,095 boys receiving the name. The trajectory shows a falling trend since 1989, yet it remains a familiar choice in states like Missouri, Tennessee, and New York. Its long history and cheerful sound keep it a recognizable, if less common, option.
Sammy originated as a diminutive of Samuel, from the Hebrew name Shemu'el meaning 'name of God' or 'God has heard,' and of Samson, from Shimshon meaning 'of the sun.' It has been used as an independent given name since at least the 19th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Sammy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sammy” around the world
Where Sammy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sam
Variants: Sammie
Sibling names for Sammy
Names that share Sammy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Molly, Katie, Annie, Lily, Emma, Aretha, Ginger, Mickie, Rikki, Roni, Ruthie, Susie, Deisy, Sammi, Chessie, Matty, Mollee, Pollyanna, Susy, Betsie, Lyndie, Timi, Franny, Stephie, Vivie
Brothers: Tommy, Jimmy, Bobby, Johnny, Charlie, Benny, Dannie, Eddy, Lenny, Nicky, Rudy, Scotty, Teddy, Vinny, Dany, Fredy, Jonny, Vinnie, Benjy, Bengie, Benney
Names like Sammy
Names whose popularity has moved with Sammy's over the last 50 years.
