שְׁמוּאֵל

Shmuel

boyHebrewJewish

Shmuel is a Jewish boy name of Hebrew origin, meaning “Name of God; God has heard”.

MeaningName of God; God has heard
GenderBoy
OriginHebrew
Written asשְׁמוּאֵל
Pronunciationshmoo-EL
TraditionJewish
Used inIsrael, United States

Meaning and origin of Shmuel

Shmuel is the Hebrew original of Samuel. Its meaning is debated: it may be read as 'his name is God' (shem-el), while 1 Samuel 1:20 links it to Hannah's prayer, saying she named him because she 'asked him of the Lord', which many explain as 'heard by God'. The prophet Shmuel anointed Saul and later David as kings of Israel. It is a staple name in Jewish communities.

Is Shmuel a Jewish name?

Yes, Shmuel is biblical: the prophet and last judge of Israel, whose story opens the books of Samuel. Jewish tradition also credits him with writing parts of the Bible.

How popular is Shmuel?

Very common in religious Jewish communities and well known throughout Israel.

Gifts with the name Shmuel

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Spellings and variants of Shmuel

SamuelShmulikSamuilShmiel

Names similar to Shmuel

More Jewish boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Shmuel mean?

Shmuel means 'Name of God; God has heard'. It is of Hebrew origin.

Is Shmuel a Jewish name?

Yes, Shmuel is biblical: the prophet and last judge of Israel, whose story opens the books of Samuel. Jewish tradition also credits him with writing parts of the Bible.

How do you pronounce Shmuel?

Shmuel is pronounced shmoo-EL.

Is Shmuel a boy or girl name?

Shmuel is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.