What does Samatha mean and where does it come from?
Samatha is a rare variation of the more widely known name 'Samantha', which originates from Hebrew and means 'to hear' or 'to be heard'. The name can also be connected to the Greek word which gives a similar meaning. This name became popular in the late 20th century and is appreciated for its melodi
Cultural significance
Samatha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to hear or to be heard.
Peak popularity
Reached #780 in 1989 — currently #1284 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Samatha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Samatha?
Samatha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Samatha Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Samatha Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Samatha Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Samatha Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Samatha Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Samatha Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Samatha right now?
Holding steady — currently #1284 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1284 | 916 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1289 | 896 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1294 | 866 | ▲ up 7060 · +6086% births |
| 2010 | #8354 | 14 | ▼ down 4053 · -56% births |
| 2005 | #4301 | 32 | ▼ down 1647 · -43% births |
| 2000 | #2654 | 56 | ▼ down 1141 · -46% births |
| 1995 | #1513 | 104 | ▼ down 634 · -53% births |
| 1990 | #879 | 221 | ▲ up 117 · +44% births |
| 1985 | #996 | 154 | ▲ up 461 · +83% births |
| 1980 | #1457 | 84 | ▼ down 125 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #1332 | 82 | ▲ up 493 · +67% births |
| 1970 | #1825 | 49 | ▼ down 363 · -16% births |
| 1965 | #1462 | 58 | — |
The story of Samatha
Samatha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1964. With 4,203 total births recorded, Samatha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1462 in 1965 to #1284 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Samatha in 1989:
Samatha by decade
Samatha peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 243 | |
| 1970s | 704 | |
| 1980s ★ | 1,609 | |
| 1990s | 1,253 | |
| 2000s | 350 | |
| 2010s | 44 | |
💎With 4,203 total births, Samatha is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Samatha?
What names sound and feel like Samatha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Samatha also consider these
Common questions about the name Samatha
What does the name Samatha mean?
Samatha means "to hear or to be heard" — a name rooted in English 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 Samatha?
Samatha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Samatha?
Samatha originates from English tradition. English 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 Samatha?
Samatha is a three-syllable name pronounced SAM-ATH-uh. 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 Samatha?
Samatha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.