The nameSami

Sami is an Arabic boy's name meaning "elevated". It is also a Finnish short form of Samuel.

Meaning

In Arabic sami means "elevated, sublime". In Finnish Sami shortens Samuel, "name of God".

Origin

Arabic or Hebrew, depending on the family.

History

In England and Wales Sami reached 239th in 2005.

Famous people named Sami

Popularity of the name Sami

Sami in the United States

1260thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2017peak year (190 births)
6,508babies named Sami in the United States since 1880
095190 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Sami was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 1,680 births over the decade, 26% of all recorded babies named Sami. Its rise began around 1957, and it peaked in 2017. Half of all babies named Sami in the United States were born before 2005, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 165 births a year.

Sami in the United Kingdom

289thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2010peak year (190 births)
3,921babies named Sami in the United Kingdom since 1997
095190 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Sami was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 1,538 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Sami. Half of all babies named Sami in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 152 births a year.

Sami in France

265thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2008peak year (445 births)
15,270babies named Sami in France since 1900
0223445 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Sami in Belgium

245thmost popular boys' name in Belgium in 2025
2011peak year (84 births)
1,653babies named Sami in Belgium since 1995
04284 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Sami in Switzerland

247thmost popular boys' name in Switzerland in 2025
2020peak year (38 births)
685babies named Sami in Switzerland since 2000
01938 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Sami

Names from the same generation as Sami, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Sami? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Sami with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Sami side by side with the name of your choice.

Sami in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sami mean?

In Arabic sami means "elevated, sublime". In Finnish Sami shortens Samuel, "name of God".

What is the origin of the name Sami?

Arabic or Hebrew, depending on the family.

Is Sami a girl's or a boy's name?

Sami is a boy's name. In the United States, 21% of the babies named Sami are girls.

How popular is the name Sami?

In 2024, Sami was the 1260th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 156 births.

What are the variants of the name Sami?

Variants and related names of Sami include Samuel.

What are good sibling names for Sami?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Farah, Nour, Salma and Sana for a sister, Bilal, Ahmed, Adel and Faris for a brother.

Who are famous people named Sami?

Sami Khedira, footballer; Sami Hyypiä, footballer; Sami Yusuf, singer.