Samuel was the answer to Hannah's tears — she named him because I have asked him of the LORD. As a boy in the tabernacle he heard God call in the night and answered, speak; for thy servant heareth. He grew into Israel's last judge and first great prophet, anointing both Saul and David as king.
His name carries the whole story of a prayer heard and a life given back to God — for Hannah lent him to the LORD as long as he liveth. Faithful to the end, Samuel could say no one could accuse him of a single wrong.
Samuel has been a beloved classic for centuries — gentle, dignified, and warmly shortened to Sam.
Variants & nicknames
Sam, Sammy, Samuele
Samuel in the Bible
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.