Sampson

Sampson is a masculine given name and a surname. It is an English variant of Samson, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Shimshon, traditionally interpreted as meaning “sun” or “sun-like.” The form Sampson has appeared in English records since the early modern period and remains in use in various countries.

In religious and literary contexts, Sampson is related to the biblical figure Samson, a Nazirite described in the Book of Judges who is renowned for his extraordinary strength and complex story of betrayal and redemption. The most common spelling for that figure is Samson; Sampson represents a variant spelling that may be used as a name independent of the biblical narrative.

As a surname, Sampson is found in English-speaking countries and commonly derives from the given name Sampson or its variant Samson, reflecting traditional patronymic or lineage origins. It is also used as a place name in certain locations, most notably Sampson County in the state of North Carolina, United States.

Notable people with the name span various fields, including politics, sports, academia, and the arts, illustrating the name’s broad usage across Anglophone communities. In fiction, characters named Sampson appear in multiple works, though this spelling is less common than Samson in most adaptations.

See also Samson (name) for the broader history of the root name, and Sampson County for the American locality.