Samuel
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for Samuel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard," known from the biblical prophet.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Latin Samuēl, from Ancient Greek Σαμουήλ (Samouḗl), from Biblical Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל (šəmûʾēl, literally “'God has set' or 'God has placed'”). Taken to mean a contraction of popular folk etymology שְׁאִלְתִּיו מֵאֵל (“I have asked/borrowed him from God”) (Modern: Šəʾīltīv mēʾĒl, Tiberian: Šĭʾīltīw mēʾĒl) by way of ש...
Full origin of Samuel →Frequently asked questions
What does “Samuel” mean?
The word “Samuel” means a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard," known from the biblical prophet.
How do you pronounce “Samuel”?
“Samuel” is pronounced SAM-yoo-uhl (/ˈsæmjuːəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “Samuel” in a sentence?
Here is “Samuel” used in a sentence: “Samuel was named after his grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Samuel”?
“Samuel” is a name.
Is “Samuel” a common word?
“Samuel” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between the names "Samuel" and "Samson"?
Samuel is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has heard," associated with the biblical prophet. Samson is a separate Hebrew name linked to a different biblical figure known for great strength, so the two are distinct despite both being of Hebrew origin.
What are common short forms of the name "Samuel"?
"Samuel" is frequently shortened to Sam or Sammy in everyday use. The full form Samuel is generally kept for formal contexts such as official documents.
Is "Samuel" used as a surname as well as a first name?
Samuel is primarily a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, but it also appears as a family name in some cultures. As a first name it remains its most familiar use.