Sam is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #9691 in 2010 with 12 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 24 births ranking #5370. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 50.0%. In 2010, approximately 1 in every 148,111 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.