Samuel
This is one of the most well-liked names on my PNL, WDYT?
Rate my PNL: https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/242438
Rate my PNL: https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/242438
Replies
Samuel's very basic, definitely bordering on boring. But as a name I'd use in real life... yeah, definitely. It sounds and looks very nice, I like the nickname Sam - but if you didn't like Sam, going by Samuel is just as feasible, at least in the UK/Europe...I know/know of a couple of Samuels who aren't Sams. It's friendly and approachable, but it would suit just about any kind of person throughout any stage in their life. It's not too youthful but not elderly, it can suit a fun and friendly guy just as much as a serious and studious one. It's as close to a blank slate name as you can get, but I personally think it's always got a bit of a happy and friendly vibe to it, especially if you opt to use the nickname Sam. Sam's such a sunny name to me, I guess there must be mean people called Sam out there but I've yet to meet one (Sammy and Sammi though...).
In short, you can argue it's a bit basic, but it's likeable and in real life, where everyday basic names aren't that much of a big deal, yeah, I'd use it. It's nice. It's also popular for more than one good reason. It's versatile. It's popular across many difficult cultures. It's easy to use and easy to wear without being too much. It's easy to spell and say, even across cultures. It's got an accessible built-in nickname if you/the bearer want(s). And I think it's a nice name that, in general, a lot of people just -like- even if they aren't into names. I think that's already a long list of reasons to like and use the name. And like I said, if I found out tomorrow I'm expecting a son, I'd have a fanciful list of names that I probably wouldn't use in real life that I'd fuss over and find fun and interesting and a pain in the arse to actually use, and another sensible list of names that I think work better in the real world, and Samuel would be near the top of that second list - that's to say, I'd use it.
In short, you can argue it's a bit basic, but it's likeable and in real life, where everyday basic names aren't that much of a big deal, yeah, I'd use it. It's nice. It's also popular for more than one good reason. It's versatile. It's popular across many difficult cultures. It's easy to use and easy to wear without being too much. It's easy to spell and say, even across cultures. It's got an accessible built-in nickname if you/the bearer want(s). And I think it's a nice name that, in general, a lot of people just -like- even if they aren't into names. I think that's already a long list of reasons to like and use the name. And like I said, if I found out tomorrow I'm expecting a son, I'd have a fanciful list of names that I probably wouldn't use in real life that I'd fuss over and find fun and interesting and a pain in the arse to actually use, and another sensible list of names that I think work better in the real world, and Samuel would be near the top of that second list - that's to say, I'd use it.
This message was edited 6/8/2025, 3:27 PM
What I like best about Samuel is its versatility in many languages. While I think it needs to take a break from the charts, it's still a good name.
Samuel is handsome.
It's a pretty normal name. I have nothing against it!
It's a good solid name. Not on my list, but I can see why people would like it. I know a Samuel - he is a nice guy, a good dancer, and a skilled photographer.
Samuel is a handsome classic, I like it a lot.
I strongly dislike the name! Muel is such an unattractive sound, I don’t get it at all.
Samuel has such a lovely meaning, but the sound and flow do nothing for me. I do have positive associations from people with this name, so while it's not on my shortlist, I do like it on others.
I've never liked Samuel, Samantha or Sam. They just don't sound or look attractive to me.
A bit commonplace perhaps, but a classic for good reason.
I don't love Sam as a nickname, though. It strikes me as almost too childish and insubstantial? That said, I know a guy who refuses to go by anything but Samuel and that seems a little much sometimes. (Though that could mostly be the guy's personality versus the name in any capacity.)
I don't love Sam as a nickname, though. It strikes me as almost too childish and insubstantial? That said, I know a guy who refuses to go by anything but Samuel and that seems a little much sometimes. (Though that could mostly be the guy's personality versus the name in any capacity.)
This message was edited 6/6/2025, 11:18 AM
As a Samantha who refuses to go by anything but Samantha, I totally vibe with that Samuel.
Love Sam, not Samuel