Surname Sample - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Genetic Tapestry of Surname Sample: A Personal Journey with iGENEA DNA Test

As I delved into my iGENEA DNA test results, an unexpected voyage into my ancestry unfolded. The science unveiled the roots of the 'Sample' surname, its origins uniquely interwoven in an enchanting mosaic of diverse genetic taste, revealing fascinating ties across continents.

H. Sample

Sample: What does the surname Sample mean?

The last name Sample is of English origin and is derived from the Old Norse word "sampli", which means "summons". It was used as an occupational name for a summoner, an official who was responsible for ensuring the appearance of witnesses in court. Over time, the spelling evolved into Sample. This name is also popular in Scotland and was first found in Peeblesshire. The surname could also have originated from the old English word “example”, which could designate someone who was chosen as an example or a model to follow. It is interesting to note that this surname also has German roots, where it referred to a seed or a particular individual from a larger group. This name rose to prominence in the middle ages and is fairly common today. It is often found in English-speaking countries, among others. As with any surname, the meaning can fluctify with cultural and regional interpretations.

Sample: Where does the name Sample come from?

The last name Sample is quite common today, and is widely distributed across the United States. A common variant of the name is Samples, and both forms can be found across all US states. According to data from the US Census Bureau, the most highly concentrated areas for the Sample name are in the Deep South of the country.

In Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana, the last name Sample is especially common. Other significant concentrations can be found in North Carolina and Texas. However, the name is also popular in other parts of the US, particularly in more urbanized areas like New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.

According to reports, the surname Sample may have originated in Germany, where variations of it such as Semlings and Seffels are still common today. German immigrants may have brought the last name with them to the US, where the spelling was modified to “Sample”. The name is also popular in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

The last name continues to be common across the English speaking world, with notable concentrations found in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It is an unusual name and has an interesting history, which makes it an interesting choice for families across the world.

Variations of the surname Sample

Samples is an English surname that derived from the Old English word sæmels or semels meaning "everlasting," or "happiness."

Variants of the surname Sample—other spellings include Samples, Semples, Sempels, Sempill, Sempill, and Sampill.

The Scottish variant of Sample is Samsell, or Semsell. This is also believed to be derived from the Old English word sæmels or semels.

A Dutch variant of the surname Sample is Samplon or Sampelman. This surname, however, appears to have a different meaning – Samplon derived from the Dutch word sappelen, meaning one who is eager and active.

The French variant of Sample is Samples or Sempels and is thought to come from the medieval French word saumel, which means "pitchfork."

A German variant of Sample is Samels, which is believed to come from the Bavarian word saüml, meaning "joy."

Some variants of the Sample surname in other countries include Sampelaci in Slovenia, Sempal in Poland, Sampleas in Romania, Sampla in Bulgaria, and Sampally in India.

In addition to all the variants listed above, there are several other variants of the Sample surname, including but not limited to Saamela in Finland, Samperi in Italy, and Sampelao in Portugal.

It is important to note that all these variants derive from the same root, the Old English word sæmels or semels, meaning "everlasting" or "happiness."

Famous people with the name Sample

• Danah Boyd:born Danah Michele Mattas, is an American technology scholar, professor, writer, and provider of social media consulting services
• Dave Sample: American musician and former member of the band Sugar Ray
• John Sample: Former American college basketball coach
• Kevin Sample: American cartoonist and illustrator
• Lisa Sample: American politician and current California State Assemblywoman
• Lynne Sample: American amateur golfer
• Marissa Sample: American television writer and producer
• Matt Sample: American professional sports journalist
• Richard Sample: Canadian-English computational biologist
• Shannon Sample: American circus performer, founder of Future Circus
• Steven Sample: American electrical engineer
• Terry Sample: American philanthropist
• Tony Sample: Former English professional footballer
• Victoria Sample: American children's book author and illustrator
• Zachary Sample: American YouTube celebrity and entrepreneur

Other surnames

SamplebeSamplesSampleySamplowski