The nameSamantha
Samantha is a girl's name of uncertain origin, perhaps a feminine of Samuel. It was a top 10 name in the United States from 1988 to the 2000s.
- Girl's name
- American
Meaning
Samantha may be a feminine form of Samuel, "name of God", with an ending borrowed from the Greek anthos, "flower". Its origin is discussed.
Origin
American, first used in the 18th century in New England.
History
Samantha became popular thanks to the series Bewitched (1964 to 1972), whose witch heroine was called Samantha. It entered the American top 10 in 1988 and reached third place. Sam and Sammy are its short forms.
Famous people named Samantha
- Samantha Stephens, Bewitched heroine
- Samantha Morton, actress
- Samantha Kerr, footballer
Popularity of the name Samantha
Samantha in the United States
Samantha was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 224,381 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Samantha. Its rise began around 1975, and it peaked in 1990. Half of all babies named Samantha in the United States were born before 1995. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 2,549 births a year on average, against 4,389 in the five years before.
Samantha in the United Kingdom
Samantha was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 6,143 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Samantha. Half of all babies named Samantha in the United Kingdom were born before 2001. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 60 births a year on average, against 99 in the five years before.
Samantha in Ireland
Samantha in France
Samantha in Belgium
Samantha in Switzerland
Samantha in Austria
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Samantha
Names from the same generation as Samantha, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Samantha? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Samantha with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Samantha side by side with the name of your choice.
Samantha in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samantha mean?
Samantha may be a feminine form of Samuel, "name of God", with an ending borrowed from the Greek anthos, "flower". Its origin is discussed.
What is the origin of the name Samantha?
American, first used in the 18th century in New England.
Is Samantha a girl's or a boy's name?
Samantha is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Samantha?
In 2024, Samantha was the 127th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 2,221 births.
What are the variants of the name Samantha?
Variants and related names of Samantha include Samuel.
What are good sibling names for Samantha?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Brianna, Alyssa, Kayla and Jasmine for a sister, Kevin, Tyler, Eric and Nicholas for a brother.
Who are famous people named Samantha?
Samantha Stephens, Bewitched heroine; Samantha Morton, actress; Samantha Kerr, footballer.