Fun Facts About the Name Shimshon
- 393 babies named Shimshon: U.S. records list 393 babies given the name Shimshon from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Shimshon Mean?
Shimshon is a Hebrew name usually understood to mean "sun." It is connected with the Hebrew word shemesh ("sun"); the ending -on is commonly treated as a diminutive, yielding "little sun," though the exact formation is uncertain. The usual simple gloss is "sun," and the name is the Hebrew original behind the English form Samson.
Shimshon Name History & Origins
Shimshon is the Hebrew name of the biblical judge Samson, whose story is told in Judges 13 - 16. In that traditional narrative he is presented as a nazirite with extraordinary strength, and his downfall involves Delilah and the Philistines. The Hebrew name passed into Greek as Σαμψών (Sampsōn) in the Septuagint and into Latin as Samson; English Samson comes from the Latin form. Shimshon has continued as the Hebrew form of the name and is used in modern Hebrew.
How Popular is the Name Shimshon?
Shimshon has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2023. Its best rank was #4,832 in 1998.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #6,396 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 2024 | #5,603 | 17 | 0.0010% |
| 2023 | #5,032 | 20 | 0.0012% |
| 2022 | #6,765 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2021 | #7,497 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2020 | #6,566 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 2019 | #8,117 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2018 | #10,573 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2017 | #6,027 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 2016 | #6,299 | 14 | 0.0007% |
| 2015 | #6,619 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2014 | #10,550 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2013 | #8,011 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2012 | #5,942 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 2011 | #6,939 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 2010 | #8,686 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2009 | #8,205 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2008 | #5,726 | 16 | 0.0008% |
| 2007 | #6,548 | 13 | 0.0006% |
| 2006 | #8,616 | 9 | 0.0004% |
| 2005 | #7,561 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2004 | #8,059 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2003 | #8,505 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2002 | #6,971 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2001 | #8,193 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2000 | #10,162 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1999 | #5,983 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1998 | #4,832 | 14 | 0.0007% |
| 1997 | #7,174 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1996 | #10,312 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1995 | #5,850 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1994 | #10,029 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1992 | #7,283 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1991 | #9,419 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1990 | #5,741 | 9 | 0.0004% |
| 1988 | #8,322 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1986 | #7,670 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1979 | #6,936 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1976 | #6,364 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Shimshon Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are spiritually intense and can sting or charm. Your name brings love and new starts into life and attracts money. In business, you are the creator and promoter of original ideas and usually enjoy considerable financial success. You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Shimshon's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Shimshon's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.