What does Samantha mean and where does it come from?
The name Samantha is of Hebrew origin, often associated with the meaning 'one who listens.' It became widely used in the English-speaking world in the 18th century. The name was popularized in the 1960s by the television show 'Bewitched.' Famous bearers include the actress Samantha Barks.
Cultural significance
Samantha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 1998 — currently #114 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Samantha?
Samantha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Samantha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Samantha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Samantha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Samantha Claire
French influence · crisp
Samantha Jane
Literary · strong
Samantha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Samantha right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #114 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #114 | 2,368 | ▼ down 8 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #106 | 2,603 | stable |
| 2021 | #106 | 2,599 | ▼ down 16 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #90 | 2,929 | ▼ down 50 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #40 | 5,340 | ▼ down 25 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #15 | 8,408 | ▼ down 7 · -38% births |
| 2005 | #8 | 13,638 | ▼ down 1 · -21% births |
| 2000 | #7 | 17,265 | ▼ down 3 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #4 | 21,644 | ▲ up 1 · -16% births |
| 1990 | #5 | 25,867 | ▲ up 24 · +143% births |
| 1985 | #29 | 10,659 | ▲ up 29 · +117% births |
| 1980 | #58 | 4,920 | ▲ up 43 · +74% births |
| 1975 | #101 | 2,834 | ▲ up 48 · +23% births |
| 1970 | #149 | 2,297 | ▲ up 30 · +17% births |
| 1965 | #179 | 1,961 | — |
The story of Samantha
Samantha has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 1998, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 582K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #365 in 1880 to #114 in 2023. Samantha is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Samantha in 1998:
Samantha by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 159 | |
| 1890s | 174 | |
| 1900s | 135 | |
| 1910s | 181 | |
| 1920s | 187 | |
| 1930s | 175 | |
| 1940s | 292 | |
| 1950s | 487 | |
| 1960s | 11,060 | |
| 1970s | 29,038 | |
| 1980s | 121,588 | |
| 1990s ★ | 224,361 | |
| 2000s | 134,451 | |
| 2010s | 56,891 | |
| 2020s | 2,929 | |
What are good nicknames for Samantha?
ENGLISH
SamSammiSammieSammy
Famous people named Samantha
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Samantha (historical community leader)
Samantha led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Samantha (historical figure)
Samantha bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Samantha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Samantha also consider these
How is Samantha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Samantha
What does the name Samantha mean?
Samantha means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Samantha?
Samantha is currently ranked #114 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Samantha?
Samantha originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Samantha?
Samantha is a three-syllable name pronounced S AH0 M AE1 N TH AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Samantha?
Samantha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.