Sam

Sam is a diminutive of Samuel, from the Hebrew Shemuel, meaning "heard by God" or "name of God." It has been one of the most reliably popular given names in the English-speaking world for centuries, functioning both as a standalone name and as a nickname for Samuel, Samantha, and Samson. Its brevity and warmth make it a natural fit for any companion.

Sam ranks #118 among America's most popular pet names, and it earns its place through sheer good-natured universality. It is the everyman name — the one that feels instantly familiar, trustworthy, and solid. Sam works equally well for male and female pets, which adds to its versatility. There is something inherently dependable about the name, the kind of companion who is always there, always steady, always glad to see you. It is also the name of one of the most beloved fictional pets in literary history.