Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Samar
UnisexArabic· “evening conversation”
- Meaning
- evening conversation
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- suh-MAHR
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,329
- US babies 2025
- 60
- Best rank
- #1,790 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Samar
Samar is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “evening conversation”.
Samar is an Arabic name meaning "evening conversation," the relaxed talk shared with friends after dark. It comes from the same root as Samir and Samira. In Hindi and other Indian languages, samar is a separate word meaning "battle" or "war," and the name is used in India with that sense, mostly for boys. In the Arab world it is more often a girl's name. It is said suh-MAHR, rhyming with guitar. The two traditions give one short name a warm meaning in one language and a bold one in another.
Popularity over time
Samar first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,790 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 92 babies. In 2025, 60 babies were named Samar, and it ranked #2,329 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6,109 in 1980, #11,812 in 2000, #3,513 in 2010, and #2,329 in 2025. Of the 1,278 US boys named Samar since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 422 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Arin, Denali, Amour, Camari, and Riyan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Samar ranked highest in California, Virginia, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1189 | 17 |
| Virginia | #1225 | 5 |
| New York | #1994 | 5 |
| Texas | #2889 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Samar is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 31% of US babies named Samar were girls and 69% were boys.
Samar is usually pronounced suh-MAHR, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ar”.
Middle names for Samar
A few middle names that flow with Samar: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Samar
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Lists that include Samar
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samar mean?
Samar is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “evening conversation”.
What is the origin of the name Samar?
Samar has Arabic roots. Samar is an Arabic name meaning "evening conversation," the relaxed talk shared with friends after dark.
Is Samar a popular name?
Not especially. Samar ranked #2,329 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Samar a boy or girl name?
Samar is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 31% of US babies named Samar were girls and 69% were boys.
How do you pronounce Samar?
Samar is usually pronounced suh-MAHR. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings