Origin & Meaning of the Sampson Surname
What does the last name Sampson mean?
The surname Sampson carries the meaning "Son of Samp." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 39,277 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sampson ranks as the #886 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sampson come from?
The Sampson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sampson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sampson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sampson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Samp |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #886 |
| US Count (2010) | 39,277 |
| Per 100K People | 13.32 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sampson
According to the US Census, the Sampson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 39,277 Americans with the Sampson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 60.21% |
| Black | 29.99% |
| Hispanic | 2.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 2.43% |
Popularity of Sampson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sampson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sampson surname increased by 2,043 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sampson
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