Samson

Origin

The name 'Samson' originates from the Hebrew 'Shimshon,' which means 'little sun' or 'bright sun.' It appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, notably in the Book of Judges, as the name of a legendary judge and strength figure. In the context of Australian cultural history, the name gained popularity through biblical influence, with additional recognition via notable figures and media. There is no documented Aboriginal or Māori origin for this name.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'little sun' or 'bright sun.' In Australian English, it connotes strength, resilience, and brightness, often associated with heroic or prominent figures.

Pronunciation

/ˈsæm.sən/ (Australian English) — emphasis on the first syllable, with a soft 's' and a short 'a' as in 'cat.' Stress is on the first syllable, with 'son' as in 'son.'

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 16 March (Feast of Saint Samson)
• 15 August (Assumption of Mary, sometimes associated with religious observances) in Catholic calendars; however, specific name days for Samson are not widely observed in Australian traditions.
• Māori or Aboriginal cultural celebrations do not specify a dedicated name day for Samson.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with samson:

• Liam and Noah (popular in Australia)
• James and Oliver
• Sophia and Charlotte

Fun Facts

• Famous Australian rugby players have the name Samson, reflecting strength and resilience.
• The name appears in Australian literature and media, often symbolising strength of character.
• Samson is also the name of a well-known Australian construction equipment brand, indicating industrial robustness.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name samson:

• Strength
• Resilience
• Bravery
• Heroism
• Confidence

Aesthetic Qualities

The name Samson has a bold, robust aesthetic, with a strong letter 'S' and a classic, balanced structure that appeals visually in typography and branding in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

While used across all Australian states, the name Samson is more historically prevalent in rural and regional areas rather than urban centres, where biblical and classic names are popular.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power and material success, suggests strength, authority, and resilience—qualities commonly admired in Australian culture.

Astrological Connections

Associated with Leo (July 23 - August 22) owing to its symbol of strength and brightness; aligns with qualities of leadership and confidence in horoscopes.

Historical Context

Biblically, Samson is famed for his incredible strength and heroic deeds, figures in religious texts, and has been referenced in Australian Christian communities historically. The name has been borne by various Australian figures, including sportspeople and explorers.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name remains largely consistent across languages, with slight phonetic and spelling adaptations such as 'Sampson' in English variants or 'Shimshon' in Hebrew contexts.

Famous People Named samson

• Samson Wagan Watson (Indigenous Australian poet and artist)
• Samson Satele (notable Australian rugby league player)
• Samson a character in Australian children's literature

Popularity in Australia