Sampson

Origin

From the Hebrew name שַׁמְעוֹן (Shim'on), meaning 'heard' or 'God has heard'. The name appears in the Bible as one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The anglicised form 'Sampson' gained popularity through the biblical figure Samson, renowned for his strength. In Australian history and culture, the name has been associated with colonial settlers and Biblical references, with limited indigenous origins.

Meaning

'Heard' or 'God has heard' in biblical context; culturally connoted with strength and hearing in broader Australian usage, often linked to historical biblical narratives and classic literature.

Pronunciation

/sæmp sən/ (Australian English pronunciation: 'SAMP-sun', stress on first syllable). The 'a' in the first syllable is as in 'cat'. The second syllable is unstressed, schwa sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 17 August (Feast of Saint Samson)
• 19 August (Saint Samson’s Day in some calendars)
• on a cultural basis, no widely observed Australian-specific name days, but these relate to Christian liturgical dates.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with sampson:

• James and William
• Henry and George
• Oliver and Charlie

Fun Facts

• The name Sampson was popularised in English-speaking countries due to the biblical figure known for his superhuman strength.
• In Australian literature, the name has appeared in classic and contemporary works, symbolising strength and resilience.
• Famous Australian bearers include Sampson the horse, a noted racehorse in the 20th century.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name sampson:

• Strong-willed
• Resilient
• Faithful
• Loyal

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and strong visual impression, often associated with historic and biblical typography — bold and commanding but also elegant in script forms in Australian branding or signage.

Geographical Distribution

More common in southeastern Australia, particularly in areas with strong Christian heritage influence. Less common in remote Indigenous communities where Aboriginal names predominate.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8 (based on Pythagorean numerology), associated with material success, power, and balance in personality profiles according to numerology.

Astrological Connections

Linked traditionally with Leo (ruled by the Sun), suggesting a personality of leadership, strength, and charisma; or considered auspicious for birthdays in late summer months in Australia.

Historical Context

The biblical Samson is featured in religious texts and has influenced various cultural references in Australia, including literature, film, and popular culture. The name has biblical associations with strength and heroism.

Linguistic Adaptability

Adaptable to various languages, with similarities in Hebrew (Shim'on), Latin (Sanctus Sampson), and other European derivatives. In non-English languages, transliterations are common.

Famous People Named sampson

• Sampson (racehorse) — associated with Australian horse racing history.
• Sir Sampson (historical figure) — colonial figure of the 19th century.
• Samson Elliott (actor) — internationally known Australian actor.

Popularity in Australia