Sam

Sam is a British surname of Hebrew origin, derived from the personal name "Shem," meaning "renown" or "fame". The name is common among Jewish populations and has been adopted by individuals of various backgrounds.

Origin

The surname Sam is known to have originated from the Hebrew personal name "Shem," which appears in religious texts such as the Bible. The name has been used by Jewish communities for centuries and has spread to other populations over time.

Distribution

The surname Sam is found throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas where Jewish communities historically settled, such as London, Manchester, and Leeds. The name has also travelled with migration patterns to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable Individuals

  • Arthur Sam (1925-2008): British politician and Member of Parliament.
  • Susan Sam (born 1960): Acclaimed British author known for her works in historical fiction.
  • David Sam (1948-2020): Renowned British scientist and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Variants

Variants of the surname Sam include Samms, Sammes, and Samuel. These variations have evolved over time through changes in spelling and pronunciation.

In modern times, the surname Sam continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British surnames and heritage.

There are approximately 1,552 people named Sam in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,218th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Sam.

Region of origin: Asia

Country of origin: China

Language of origin: Chinese

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • Daniel
  • David
  • George
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Ken
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • Victor

Female

  • Agnes
  • Anne
  • Esther
  • Evelyn
  • Fay
  • Frances
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Lily
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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