US Popularity Rank: 1343

Origin: American

Meaning: God has heard; Name of God; Sun Man, of the sun

Sam, a gender-neutral name of American origin, has strong British and Hebrew roots. Coming from Samuel or Samantha, it means "God has heard," or "name of God." It can also come from Samson or Sampson, meaning "sun man" or "of the sun." While this name originally served as a nickname for Samantha, Samuel, and Samson, the shortened form became popular in its own right. Short and sweet, this name is perfect for both boys and girls. Baby will find lots of Sams in books and television as they grow up, from Sam Eagle in The Muppet Show to the Shire's very own Samwise Gamgee.