Sam

Sam is a short form of the Hebrew name Samuel, meaning either heard by God or name of God, derived from the roots shama (to hear) and el (God). It has been used as an independent given name in English-speaking countries since at least the nineteenth century, partly popularized by its association with the archetypal American figure Uncle Sam. Notable bearers include the playwright Sam Shepard and the fictional hobbit Samwise Gamgee, whose name helped cement its warm, unpretentious image. Related forms include Samuel, Samantha, and Sammy.