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Samson

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAM-sun /ˈsæm.sən/High

Meaning: From Hebrew 'Shimshon,' derived from 'shemesh' (sun), meaning 'sun child' or 'sun man'; name of the biblical judge famous for his supernatural strengthHigh

In 30 seconds: Samson is a powerful Hebrew name meaning 'sun child,' belonging to the Bible's most famous strongman. Bold and solar, it has been making a notable comeback as parents rediscover strong biblical boys' names.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom Hebrew 'Shimshon,' derived from 'shemesh' (sun), meaning 'sun child' or 'sun man'; name of the biblical judge famous for his supernatural strength
U.S. rank (2025)#477 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births639 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 12,874

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518922025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Samson is the English form of the Hebrew Shimshon, derived from shemesh (sun), meaning 'sun child' or 'man of the sun.' In the Book of Judges, Samson was a judge of Israel endowed with supernatural strength. His story — including his relationship with Delilah — is one of the Old Testament's most compelling narratives.

Samson was used in medieval Europe through biblical devotion and is also a Welsh and Breton saint's name. In the modern United States it has been reviving as part of the strong biblical name trend, appealing to parents who want something bold and distinctive. It now ranks in the U.S. top 300 boys' names.

Did you know? The story of Samson and Delilah — in which Delilah discovers that Samson's strength lies in his uncut hair and betrays him to the Philistines — is one of the most dramatic tales of love, betrayal, and redemption in all of ancient literature.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Samson — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SampsonShimshon

Nicknames

SamSammy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Samson (biblical judge)
    Israelite judge in the Book of Judges, famous for his supernatural strength and the story of Delilah

If you like Samson…

Solomon— shares the Hebrew Old Testament judge/king tradition and the strong biblical sound
Elijah— another powerful Hebrew prophet name in the same bold biblical revival
Gideon— shares the biblical judge tradition and the same strong two-syllable Hebrew character
Ezekiel— shares the bold Old Testament Hebrew heritage and rising modern popularity

Frequently Asked

What does Samson mean?

Samson means 'sun child' or 'man of the sun,' from Hebrew 'shemesh' (sun). He was a biblical judge famous for his supernatural strength.

How do you pronounce Samson?

Samson is pronounced SAM-sun /ˈsæm.sən/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Samson a popular name?

Samson has been reviving in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 300 boys' names, part of the strong biblical name trend.

What is the story of Samson and Delilah?

In the Book of Judges, Samson was a supernaturally strong judge of Israel. Delilah, bribed by the Philistines, discovered that his strength lay in his uncut hair and betrayed him, leading to his capture — and eventual triumph.