I absolutely LOVE [name_m]Samson[/name_m] 
Honestly I think [name_m]Samson[/name_m] is gorgeous such a warm, outdoorsy name that feels fashionable and has gorgeous meaning ‘sun’ a truly handsome choice. He’s a firm favourite of mine. I think [name_m]Sonny[/name_m] is a very intuitive nickname especially if you enforce the nickname which would be easily done by just using [name_m]Sonny[/name_m] on the regular and introducing as [name_m]Samson[/name_m] known as [name_m]Sonny[/name_m]. [name_f][/name_f] The popularity aspect surrounding [name_m]Samuel[/name_m] and [name_m]Sam[/name_m] in general is more of an individualistic viewpoint you need to weigh up. For me popularity isn’t a huge issue I would always choose a name I loved even if it was popular and [name_m]Samuel[/name_m] is a classic so will also be relatively popular. I actually love [name_m]Samuel[/name_m] as well. But from my perspective the [name_m]Sam[/name_m] connection is a non issue.