Sampson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Sampson come from? What does the surname Sampson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Sampson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Sampson Origin: What does the last name Sampson mean?
The surname Sampson has its origins in England, first appearing in recorded history in the early 13th century. Derived from YourRoots data, it is noted that the surname Sampson showed a consistent presence in England from the 13th to the 15th century. By the 16th century, the surname had expanded to the United States, where it began to gain significant popularity. The surname Sampson is not limited to these two countries, as it also had a notable presence in countries such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Scotland, and Ireland during the 1601 to 1801 period.
YourRoots data further confirms the global spread of the Sampson surname, with a notable increase in records in the United States from the start of the 17th century onwards. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with the surname Sampson now found in various regions worldwide. Countries with a significant volume of Sampson records in the YourRoots database, as of 1901, include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Portugal.
Sampson Last Name History: Where did the last name Sampson come from?
Origin of Sampson Surname: Where does the last name Sampson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Sampson first appears in recorded history in England around the early 13th century. It's important to note that this is based on YourRoots' data and is specific to the exact spelling of “Sampson” without considering variations in the surname.
History of the Last Name Sampson: What does the Sampson surname history look like in the early days?
The Sampson surname initially appears in England, where it shows consistent presence from the 13th through the 15th century. By the 16th century, the surname was also found in the United States where it began to show significant growth. However, the frequency of the surname Sampson in the YourRoots database was not limited to these two countries. Other countries with notable presence during the 1601 to 1801 period include Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Scotland, and Ireland.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Sampson surname today?
By the start of the 17th century, the United States saw a substantial increase in the volume of records bearing the Sampson surname, eventually surpassing England. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Sampson surname is found in many regions worldwide, reflecting its global spread. Countries with a significant volume of Sampson records in the YourRoots database, based on 1901 data, include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Portugal.
Explore Sampson last name heritage and Sampson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Sampson Surame?
Kelvin Sampson
Kelvin Dale Sampson (born Oct 5, 1955) is an American college basketball coach, currently leading the University of Houston team in the Big 12 Conference. Raised in North Carolina, he excelled in both academics and athletics, later playing for Washington State University and the University of Oklahoma. Known for his coaching success, Sampson earned multiple Coach of the Year awards and led his teams to numerous postseason appearances, including a Final Four and Elite Eight. His coaching career also includes a stint at Indiana University. Sampson's dedication to the sport and ability to develop winning teams have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in college basketball.
Ralph Sampson
Ralph Lee Sampson Jr. (born Jul 7, 1960) is a retired American professional basketball player best known for his time with the Houston Rockets. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches tall, Sampson was a dominant force on the court, earning multiple accolades such as NBA Rookie of the Year and NBA All-Star Game MVP. Despite facing injuries throughout his career, Sampson's impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Angus Sampson
Angus Sampson is an Australian actor and filmmaker best known for his roles in popular franchises like Insidious, Fargo, and Mad Max. Born in Sydney, Sampson began his acting career in the 1990s and has since appeared in various TV shows and movies. He co-developed the horror film Insidious and has played diverse characters on screen, including Bear Gerhardt in Fargo and Cisco in The Lincoln Lawyer. Besides acting, Sampson has also dabbled in radio hosting and experimental theater. With a wide range of roles under his belt, Sampson continues to captivate audiences with his talent and versatility.
Will Sampson
William "Will" Sampson Jr. (September 27, 1933 – June 3, 1987) was a Muscogee Nation painter, actor, and rodeo performer. He is best known for his roles as Chief Bromden in the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," Crazy Horse in "The White Buffalo," and Taylor in "Poltergeist II: The Other Side." Sampson was also a visual artist, with his works showcased in museums and galleries. Despite facing health challenges, including scleroderma, he left a lasting legacy in Hollywood and Native American representation in the entertainment industry.
Holly Sampson
Holly Joy Sampson (born Sep 4, 1973) is an American actress and model known for her work in both mainstream and adult films. She gained recognition for her roles in TV shows like "The Wonder Years" and films like "Pump Up The Volume." Sampson also starred in the Emmanuelle 2000 series. She transitioned from mainstream to adult films under aliases like "Nicolette" and "Zoe" before returning to mainstream acting and adult films as Holly Sampson. In 2009, she was linked to golfer Tiger Woods' marital scandal. Sampson continues to be active in the entertainment industry.
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