National Sam Day - Sam is a popular name so we are sure there are many of you out there eager to celebrate National Sam Day. Read on to find out more!

National Sam Day 2024 – July 13, 2024

National Sam Day occurs every year on 13 July. The day has been set aside to celebrate everyone named Sam, whether it is your full name or a nickname, today is the day we honor you. The name Sam has biblical ties and although it is a moniker for girls, it is generally seen as a masculine given name. The name Sam is a common nickname for longer names such as Samuel, Samantha, or Samson but it can be used as a stand-alone name. Sam itself has its nickname which is ‘Sammy.’ There are many famous Sams due to the longevity of the name, both male and female. From basketball players and football players to businessmen and hobbits, you are bound to find a Sam in any profession!

History of National Sam Day

The name Sam is of Hebrew origin and is a common nickname for the name Samuel. Sam means ‘told by God’ and ‘God hears.’ Sam is featured in the Old Testament as a prophet and judge of the Israelites. Sam has been used for over a century and although is commonly seen as a male name, female variations include Samantha, Sami, and Samuela.Samuel is a more popular name than Sam. Whereas Samuel has been on the top 100 list for more than a century, Sam was last on that list in 1926. Sam peaked as a popular name in 1900 at number 34.There are hundreds of famous Sams, fictional and nonfictional. Samwise Gamgee from “Lord Of the Rings” may be one of the better-known characters with the name Sam. Yosemite Sam is another fictional Looney Tunes character you may know from your youth. If you love cereal as a child then you may also be familiar with Toucan Sam who is the mascot of Kellogg’s Froot Loops breakfast cereal.Samual L. Jackson is a famous American actor who has starred in numerous movies including the cult classic “Pulp Fiction.” Samuel Beckett is an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, theatre director, poet, and literary translator. Sam Cooke, was an American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He was known as the ‘King of Soul’ and was one of the most influential soul artists of all time.

National Sam Day timeline

1945
Yosemite Sam Comes to Life

We are introduced to Yosemite Sam in the 1945 cartoon “Hare Trigger.”

1954
“Lord of the Rings” is Published

J.R.R. Tolkien's “Lord of the Rings” is published introducing us to Frodo, Samwise, Gandalf, Peregrin, and Meriadoc.

1957
Sam Cooke Goes Solo

Sam Cooke starts his solo career and releases a string of hit songs, including ‘You Send Me.’

1963
We are Introduced to Toucan Sam

Toucan Sam becomes the mascot for Kellogs Fruit Loops

1969
Samuel Beckett Awarded the Nobel Prize

Samuel Beckett is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his writing.

1994
“Pulp Fiction”

Samuel L. Jackson stars in “Pulp Fiction” with John Travolta and Uma Thurman.

National Sam Day FAQs

Is the name Sam a good name?

Sam is a short, stand-alone name that many parents prefer. It is quite popular in Europe in places such as the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, England, and Australia.

What is Samuel in the Bible known for?

Samuel was known as a seer, priest, judge, prophet, and military leader. He was a religious hero in the history of Israel.

How old is the name Sam?

Sam is derived from Medieval English or Hebrew. The English form of the name was introduced by the Crusaders in the 12th Century.

National Sam Day Activities

  1. Eat Fruit Loops

    Celebrate National Sam Day by eating Fruit Loops in honor of Toucan Sam. You can enjoy Fruit Loops any time of the day.

  2. Watch “Pulp Fiction”

    Watch Samuel L. Jackson as he portrays the character Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction. Invite friends over for a movie night.

  3. Listen to Sam Cooke

    Celebrate National Sam Day by turning up Sam Cooke and having a party. Create a playlist with his songs and share it with friends.

5 Interesting Facts About Sam Cooke

  1. He was born Samuel

    His birth name was Samuel Cook and he performed professionally under the name Sam Cooke.

  2. He began singing as a child

    Sam began singing as a child and joined the Soul Stirrers as lead singer in the 1950s.

  3. He released almost 50 tops hits

    During his career, Cooke released 29 singles that charted in the Top 40 of the Billboard Pop Singles chart, as well as 20 singles in the Top 10 of Billboard's Black Singles chart.

  4. He was killed in a motel

    The manager of a motel in Los Angeles shot and killed Sam Cook in 1964.

  5. He participated in the civil rights movement

    Cooke was a central part of the civil rights movement, as he was both popular and influential within the white and black population and used this to help to fight for the cause.

Why We Love National Sam Day

  1. All Sams are included in today's celebrations

    Sam, Samuel, Samantha, or Samson — today we celebrate all variations of the name Sam. See what you can do today for the Sam in your life.

  2. There are so many to celebrate

    Whether we know them in person or a fictional character, we have a choice of many Sams to celebrate. Research some famous Sams and tell your friends and family about them.

  3. It’s an easy day to celebrate

    Whether we give a simple greeting or throw a fancy party, we have many different options to celebrate. Whatever it may be, we love a celebration!

National Sam Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 July 13 Thursday
2024 July 13 Saturday
2025 July 13 Sunday
2026 July 13 Monday
2027 July 13 Tuesday