SAMPSON
Sampson
Sampson is a surname of English origin that derives from the ancient given name Samson. The name Samson itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "like the sun" or "of the sun". The surname Sampson is recorded in early English documents as early as the 12th century.
Origin and Meaning
The name Samson holds great historical and biblical significance. In the Bible, Samson was a legendary Israelite judge known for his extraordinary strength as bestowed upon him by God. His story is detailed in the Book of Judges, where he is celebrated for his heroic deeds and triumphs over the Philistines.
Distribution and Variations
The surname Sampson is widely found in England and has variations such as Samson and Sansom. Over time, the name has spread to other English-speaking regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Sampson, including:
- Arthur Sampson: An influential English politician in the late 19th century.
- Laura Sampson: A prominent British artist known for her innovative use of mixed media.
- Walter Sampson: A celebrated English author whose works have been widely acclaimed.
Heritage and Legacy
The surname Sampson holds a place in British history and genealogy, reflecting the cultural and religious influences that have shaped the country over the centuries. Many individuals with the surname Sampson can trace their roots back to medieval England, where the name first took hold.
References
- Reaney, P. H., Wilson, R. M., & Black, S. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Overall, the surname Sampson carries a rich heritage and legacy that continues to be cherished by individuals and families across the United Kingdom and beyond.
There are approximately 9,887 people named Sampson in the UK. That makes it the 938th most common surname in Britain. Around 152 in a million people in Britain are named Sampson.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.