Samuel

Origin and meaning of Samuel

Samuel comes from the Hebrew Shemu'el, 'God has heard' or 'name of God' — in the Bible the prophet who anointed Israel's first kings. The name expresses trust in a God who hears prayers. It is very widespread in the English-speaking countries, France, Germany, Spain and Scandinavia. The Italian form is Samuele. Borne by great inventors and writers, it blends spirituality and ingenuity. It evokes listening, gift and a calm inner strength.

Variants around the world

How Samuel is said in other languages.

Famous people

• Samuel Morse— inventor
• Samuel Beckett— writer
• Samuel Barber— composer