Sam is a distinctive boys' name in United States, ranking #658 in 2022 with 418 recorded births. This places Sam in the top 5% of ranked US boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2007 with 614 births ranking #453. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 20.7%. In 2022, approximately 1 in every 4,173 boys born was named Sam. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.