What does Samira mean and where does it come from?
Samira has a rich history and is commonly used in various cultures including Arabic and Persian regions. The name is particularly popular in Middle Eastern and South Asian communities. Notable figures include Samira Said, a famous Moroccan singer, and Samira Wiley, an American actress. Its popularit
Cultural significance
Samira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of in arabic, it means 'companion in evening talk' or 'entertaining companion'; in persian, it often signifies 'joyful' or .
Peak popularity
Reached #791 in 2003 — currently #803 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Samira?
Samira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Samira Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Samira Rose
Floral · soft ending
Samira Mae
Sweet · timeless
Samira Claire
French influence · crisp
Samira Jane
Literary · strong
Samira Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Samira right now?
Declining — down 23 spots — currently #803 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #803 | 349 | ▼ down 23 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #780 | 365 | ▲ up 147 · +27% births |
| 2021 | #927 | 287 | ▼ down 4 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #923 | 277 | ▲ up 206 · +23% births |
| 2015 | #1129 | 225 | ▼ down 78 · -5% births |
| 2010 | #1051 | 236 | ▼ down 78 · -6% births |
| 2005 | #973 | 252 | ▲ up 183 · +44% births |
| 2000 | #1156 | 175 | ▲ up 164 · +39% births |
| 1995 | #1320 | 126 | ▲ up 190 · +22% births |
| 1990 | #1510 | 103 | ▲ up 454 · +84% births |
| 1985 | #1964 | 56 | ▲ up 73 · +8% births |
| 1980 | #2037 | 52 | ▲ up 906 · +108% births |
| 1975 | #2943 | 25 | ▲ up 1505 · +92% births |
| 1970 | #4448 | 13 | ▲ up 340 · +44% births |
| 1965 | #4788 | 9 | — |
The story of Samira
Samira is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 7,111 total births recorded, Samira remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4788 in 1965 to #803 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Samira in 2003:
Samira by decade
Samira peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 61 | |
| 1970s | 245 | |
| 1980s | 589 | |
| 1990s | 1,191 | |
| 2000s | 2,352 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,396 | |
| 2020s | 277 | |
💎With 7,111 total births, Samira is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Samira?
Famous people named Samira
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Samira (historical Arab ruler)
Samira held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Samira (Quranic figure)
Samira appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
S(
Samira (Arab poet)
Samira carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Samira (historical Arab ruler)
Samira held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Samira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Samira also consider these
Common questions about the name Samira
What does the name Samira mean?
Samira means "In Arabic, it means 'companion in evening talk' or 'entertaining companion'; in Persian, it often signifies 'joyful' or " — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Samira?
Samira is currently ranked #803 as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Samira have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Samira?
Samira originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic 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 Samira?
Samira is a four-syllable name pronounced S AE1 M AY1 R 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 Samira?
Samira pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.