Sam is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #15633 in 1997 with 5 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 24 births ranking #5370. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 37.5%. In 1997, approximately 1 in every 348,132 girls born was named Sam. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
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.