National Sam Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Sam Day occurs annually on July 13. The day has been designated to honour all people with the name Sam, whether you go by your formal name or a nickname. The name Sam has biblical roots, and although it is a female given name, it is generally regarded as masculine. Sam is a popular nickname for lengthier names like Samuel, Samantha, and Samson, but it can also be used as a given name. Sam’s alias is ‘Sammy.’ Due to the longevity of the name, there are many notable Sams, both male and female. There is a Sam in every profession, from basketball players and football players to businesspeople and hobbits.

The background of National Sam Day

Sam derives from the Hebrew language and is a prevalent nickname for the name Samuel. Sam signifies ‘told by God’ and ‘God hears.’ Sam is depicted in the Old Testament as an Israelite prophet and arbitrator. Sam has been used for over a century, and although it is typically a masculine name, Samantha, Sami, and Samuela are female variations.

Samuel is the more common name, compared to Sam. In contrast to Samuel, who has been a top 100 name for more than a century, Sam last appeared on that list in 1926. Sam was the 34th most prevalent name in 1900.

There are hundreds of fictional and nonfictional notable Sams. Samwise Gamgee from “Lord Of The Rings” is possibly one of the most well-known characters with the name Sam. Yosemite Sam is a fictitious Looney Tunes character that you may have known as a child. If you enjoyed cereal as a child, you may recall Toucan Sam, the emblem for Kellogg’s Froot Loops.

Samual L. Jackson is a well-known American actor who has appeared in numerous films, such as the cult classic “Pulp Fiction.” Samuel Beckett is an Irish novelist, playwright, short story author, theatre director, poet, and translator of literature. Sam Cooke was an American entrepreneur, performer, and songwriter. He was known as the ‘King of Soul’ and was one of the most influential soul musicians of all time.

NATIONAL SAM DAY ACTIVITIES

Eat Fruit Loops

In honour of National Sam Day, consume Fruit Loops in honour of Toucan Sam. Fruit Loops can be consumed at any time of day.

Observe “Pulp Fiction”

Observe Samuel L. Jackson’s performance as Jules Winfield in Pulp Fiction. Invite friends to a movie night at your home.

Listen to Sam Cooke

Celebrate National Sam Day by playing Sam Cooke at a party and playing his music. Create and share a playlist of his songs with your peers.

5 Interesting Sam Cook Facts

His given name was Samuel Cook, but he was known professionally as Sam Cooke.

Sam began singing as a child and became the lead vocalist for the Soul Stirrers in the 1950s.

Cooke released 29 singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Pop Singles chart and 20 singles in the Top 10 of the Billboard Black Singles chart over the course of his career.

In 1964, the manager of a Los Angeles motel shot and murdered Sam Cook.

Cooke was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement due to his popularity and influence among both the white and black populations, which he used to advance the cause.

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