Samantha
Samantha is a girl name of Aramaic origin meaning “Listener”, pronounced suh-MAN-thuh. It ranked #151 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,973 babies, and peaked at #3 in 1998. Common nicknames: Sam, Sammy, Manthy.
How popular is Samantha in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Samantha mean, and where does it come from?
Samantha is generally believed to combine the Aramaic name Samuel, meaning "heard by God" or "listener," with the feminine suffix "-antha," possibly influenced by the Greek word "anthos" meaning "flower." The name first appeared in the American South in the 18th century and gained wide popularity through the 1960s television series Bewitched, whose central character was a witch named Samantha. It has remained a steady favourite ever since, prized for its warm, classic sound and easy nickname Sam, which gives it a tomboyish versatility alongside its formal elegance.
How is Samantha used around the world?
Samantha is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Samantha?
Famous People Named Samantha
- Samantha Bee — Canadian-American comedian and television host
- Samantha Power — American diplomat and former US Ambassador to the UN
- Samantha Fox — English singer and actress
Similar Names to Samantha
If you like Samantha, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Samantha
Looking for names that pair well with Samantha? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Samantha mean?
Samantha is a girl name of Aramaic origin meaning "Listener." Samantha is generally believed to combine the Aramaic name Samuel, meaning "heard by God" or "listener," with the feminine suffix "-antha," possibly influenced by the Greek word "anthos" meaning "flower." The name first appeared in the American South in the 18th century and gained wide popularity through the 1960s television series Bewitched, whose central character was a witch named Samantha.
How do you pronounce Samantha?
Samantha is pronounced suh-MAN-thuh. Common variations include Samanta, Samanth, Samanthe.
Is Samantha a girl name?
Yes, Samantha is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Sam, Sammy, Manthy.