Contents [hide]

Samson History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Related Stories Motto Citations

Samson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France
Ireland

The surname Samson is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. Samson comes from the Norman personal name Samson. As with the French version of the name, the root name Sanson or Samson is an Old French name given to "a Welsh bishop (fl. 550) who crossed over to Brittany and founded the abbey of Dol where he was buried and venerated as a saint. Whether his name is the Biblical Samson or one of Celtic origin is uncertain. Probably from Saint-Samson (Seine-Inférieure), or from Saint-Samson (Calvados), Saint-Samson-de-Bonfosse (La Manche) or Saint-Samson-de-la-Roque (Eure)." 1

Early Origins of the Samson family

The surname Samson was first found in Gloucestershire, but the family was quickly scattered throughout Britain as they claim descendancy from "De St. Sampson, from the lordship near Caen, Normandy. Ralph de St. Sansom accompanied the Conqueror, and [by] 1086 held estates in several counties. William Sampson, his descendant, was summoned to Parliament as a Baron 1297-1304. " 2

"A well-known monastery near Rouen was built by the Archbishop of Dol, known as St. Sansone or St. Sampson." 3

Sanson is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, but the entry does not list what county. 4 As a forename, Samson, Sansone, Sampson Takel was listed in Lincolnshire and Samson Cornuwala was found in Yorkshire c. 1170. The Pipe Rolls of 1130 for Nottinghamshire lists Hugo Samson as holding lands there at that time. In Lancashire, Philip Sampson was listed there in 1192 and in Somerset, we found Hemericus Samsun in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1221. 1

"The name was popular in Yorkshire and the eastern counties where it was introduced by the Bretons after the Conquest, and also in the Welsh border counties where it no doubt came from Wales." 1

Interestingly, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 includes only entries for the name as a forename: Sansum le Rus, Cambridgeshire; Samson de Baterford, Bedfordshire; and Sampson de Boxe, Wiltshire. 3

Samsom (died 1112), was and English divine, Bishop of Worcester, born at Douvres near Caen, was the son of Osbert and Muriel, who were of noble lineage.

Samsom (1135-1211), was Abbot of St. Edmund's, born at Tottington, near Thetford in Norfolk. "When nine years old he was taken by his mother on a pilgrimage to St. Edmund's. 'As a poor clerk,' he received gratuitous instruction from a schoolmaster named William of Diss. " 5

Early History of the Samson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Samson research. Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1112, 1517, 1554, 1589, 1590, 1600, 1612, 1627, 1629, 1636, 1667, 1668, 1680, 1700, 1736, 1756, 1769 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Samson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Samson Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Sampson, Samson and others.

Early Notables of the Samson family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Nicolas Sanson (1600-1667), a French cartographer of Scottish descent; William Sampson (1590?-1636?), an English dramatist from Retford, Nottinghamshire; and his son, Henry Sampson (1629?-1700), an English nonconformist minister and physician. Born at South Leverton, Nottinghamshire, and after the Restoration, he preached for some time privately at Framlingham, and founded an independent congregation, which still exists. Turning to medicine, he studied at Padua and at Leyden, where he graduated M.D. on 12 July 1668. He practised in London, and was admitted an honorary fellow of the College of Physicians on 30 Sept. 1680. 5Richard...
Another 100 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Samson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Samson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Samson is the 3,120^th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 6 However, in Canada, the name Samson is ranked the 427^th most popular surname with an estimated 10,982 people with that name. 7 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Samson is the 264^th popular surname. 8 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Samson as 315^th with 146 people. 9 France ranks Samson as 523^rd with 8,685 people. 10

Migration of the Samson family to Ireland

Some of the Samson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Samson migration to the United States +

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Samson or a variant listed above:

Samson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Henry Samson, (1603-1684), who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620 aboard the ship "Mayflower" 11
Abraham Samson, who landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1629-1630 11
Richard Samson, aged 28, who landed in New England in 1635 11
Mary Samson, who arrived in Virginia in 1695 11
James Samson, who landed in Virginia in 1695 11

Samson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Daniell Samson, who arrived in New York in 1715 11
Guy Samson, who arrived in Louisiana in 1718-1724 11
Pierre Samson, aged 35, who arrived in Louisiana in 1720 11
Archibald Samson, who landed in Mississippi in 1798 11
John Samson, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1798

Samson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Charlemagne Samson, who settled in New Orleans La. in 1823
Joseph Samson, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1842 11
Margaret Samson, who arrived in New York, NY in 1845 11
Samuel Samson, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1848 11
Samuel Samson, who landed in New York State in 1849 with his wife and four children
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Samson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Samson Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century

Louis Samson, who arrived in Quebec from Normandy in 1664
Louis Samson, son of Nicolas and Françoise, who married Marthe Ragau, daughter of Simon and Françoise, in Quebec on 26th February 1664 12
Jacques and Gabriel Samson, who arrived in Quebec from Normandy in 1666
Gabriel Samson, son of Toussaint and Catherine, who married Françoise Durand, daughter of Martin and Françoise, in Quebec on 29th November 1669 12
Jacques Samson, son of Toussaint and Catherine, who married Marie-Anne Metru, daughter of Claude and Jeanne, in Quebec on 26th November 1671 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Samson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Ignace Samson, son of Jacques and Anne, who married Madeleine Hubert, daughter of François and Marie, in Quebec on 26th January 1711 12
Etienne Samson, son of Jacuqes and Anne, who married Angélique Guay, daughter of Ignace and Perrine, in Lévis, Quebec on 9th June 1718 12
Antoine Samson, son of Antoine and Catherine-Angélique, who married Marie-Louise Jeanne, daughter of Martin and Marie, in Quebec on 21st November 1734 12
Etienne Samson, son of Jean-Baptiste and Charlotte, who married Madeleine Charon, daughter of Jean-Baptiste and Geneviève, in Beaumont, Quebec on 3rd February 1739 12
André-Joseph Samson, son of Joseph and Catherine, who married Marthe Adam, daughter of Ignace and Suzanne, in Beaumont, Quebec on 27th January 1755 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Samson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Agnes Samson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1848
Jane Samson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1848
Margaret Samson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1848
Peter Samson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1848
Robert Samson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1848

Samson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Samson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Richard Samson, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Sir Edward Parry" in 1849 13

Samson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Samson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

William Samson, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ashburton" in 1857
Ann Samson, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ashburton" in 1857
James Samson, aged 33, a miner, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Helenslee" in 1864 14
Marion Samson, aged 35, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Helenslee" in 1864 14
David Samson, aged 12, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Helenslee" in 1864 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Samson (post 1700) +

David Samson (b. 1939), American politician, New Jersey Attorney General (2002 to 2003)
Peter R. Samson (b. 1941), American computer scientist
Robert H. Samson (b. 1876), American Democratic Party politician, Barber; Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from Glastonbury, 1919-20 15
Ray Samson, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Florida, 2008 15
John S. Samson, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Nebraska, 1944, 1952, 1960 15
J. L. Samson, American Democratic Party politician, Postmaster at Dallas, Texas, 1848-49 15
George E. Samson, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Connecticut State House of Representatives from Glastonbury, 1896 15
Bruce Samson, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for Montana State Senate 35th District, 2010 15
Ambrose Arthur Samson (1897-1922), English professional footballer
Lionel Samson (1799-1878), English-born, Australian early Swan River Colony settler and businessman, founder of Lionel Samson & Son, is the oldest continuing family business in Australia
... (Another 18 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Samson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Pejus letho flagitium
Motto Translation: Disgrace is worse than Death.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Internoscia, Arthur E., and Claire Chevrier. Dictionnaire National des Canadiens Français 1608-1760. Vol. 2, Institut Drouin, 1958.
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The SIR EDWARD PARRY 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849SirEdwardParry.htm
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 12th December 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 22) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html