Samantha
Samantha: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /səˈmænθə/ · [səˈmɛənθə]
Meaning and origin of Samantha
- A female given name from Hebrew.
Etymology
It was recorded in the 17th century in England. Most probably a feminine form of Samuel, possibly influenced by Anthea. Other suggestions include Aramaic ܫܡܥܢܬܐ (šemʿanta, “listener”, noun), from ܫܡܥ. In India, Samantha can be interpreted as a variant spelling of Samanta, from Sanskrit समन्त (samanta, “universal, adjacent”).
How popular is Samantha?
Since 1880, 592,847 girls and 1,205 boys in the U.S. have been named Samantha (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #3 in 1998. Its highest rank for boys was #930 in 1989. In 2025 it ranked #151 for girls, with 1,973 babies given the name.
Names similar to Samantha
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew girl names
Sibling name ideas for Samantha
Sister and brother names that share Samantha's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Samantha FAQ
What does the name Samantha mean?
A female given name from Hebrew. It was recorded in the 17th century in England. Most probably a feminine form of Samuel, possibly influenced by Anthea. Other suggestions include Aramaic ܫܡܥܢܬܐ (šemʿanta, “listener”, noun), from ܫܡܥ. In India, Samantha can be interpreted as a variant spelling of Samanta, from Sanskrit समन्त (samanta, “universal, adjacent”).
What is the origin of the name Samantha?
Samantha is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Samantha?
Since 1880, 592,847 girls and 1,205 boys in the U.S. have been named Samantha (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #3 in 1998. Its highest rank for boys was #930 in 1989. In 2025 it ranked #151 for girls, with 1,973 babies given the name.
Is Samantha a boy or girl name?
Samantha is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 592,847 girls and 1,205 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.