Biblical name with possible meaning 'He (God) has hearkened'. It may also be understood as a contracted form of Hebrew sha'ulme'el meaning 'asked of God'. In the case of Samuel the son of Hannah, this would be more in keeping with his mother's statement 'Because I have asked him of the Lord'. Living in the 11th century BC, Samuel was a Hebrew judge and prophet of the greatest historical importance, who established the Hebrew monarchy, anointing as king both Saul, and later, David. In England and America the name was particularly popular among the 16th-century Puritans and among Nonconformists from the 17th - 19th century. Rose in popularity in early 1990s; borne by Samuel L. Jackson (actor) and Fireman Sam (cartoon character). Discuss the name Samuel in our baby name forum!
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