How Popular (or Rare) was Sam in 2001?

🇬🇧 England & Wales • Boy

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#55
2001 Rank
1,132
2001 Births
#47
Best Rank (1996)
1,638
Peak Year (1996)
21,004
Total Births (1996-2025)
1 in 254
Rarity Factor (2001)

📊 The Sam Story

Sam is a popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #55 in 2001 with 1,132 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 1,638 births ranking #47. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 30.9%. In 2001, approximately 1 in every 254 boys born was named Sam. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.

Popularity Trend (1996–2025)

📅 Data Status: Official verified statistics are currently available from 1996 up to 2025. This report reflects the most recent confirmed data from England & Wales; 2026 and 2027 projections are based on real-time search trends and will be finalized upon the next official release.

Name Meaning & Origin

Origin: Hebrew-rooted short form  |  Meaning: told by God; usually short for Samuel

Sam is a simple, warm short form most often linked to Samuel, so it usually carries the same broad biblical meaning. It feels familiar, steady, and easy at every age.

Originally a nickname, Sam has long been used as a full given name too. Its durability comes from its friendliness and its link to one of the great biblical classics.

Did you know?Sam is one of the shortest traditional names that works just as naturally in formal and informal settings.
Similar namesSami, Samuel, Sean, Simon, Seth

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