How Popular (or Rare) was Sam in 1996?

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง England & Wales โ€ข Girl

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#1,914
1996 Rank
8
1996 Births
#1,697
Best Rank (1998)
12
Peak Year (2005)
109
Total Births (1996-2025)
1 in 37,000
Rarity Factor (1996)
Popularity Position
Top 39%
Among UK girls' names in 1996
Rare ยท 1 in 37,000 births

๐Ÿ“Š The Sam Story

Sam is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #1914 in 1996 with 8 recorded births. This places Sam in the top 39% of ranked UK girls' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Rare. The name reached its all-time peak in 2005 with 12 births ranking #1796. In 1996, approximately 1 in every 37,000 girls born was named Sam. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.

Popularity Trend (1996โ€“2025)

๐Ÿ“… 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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