Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Samara
GirlHebrew, Arabic
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- suh-MAHR-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #320
- US babies 2025
- 957
- Best rank
- #256 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Samara
Samara is usually linked to Hebrew and Arabic roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Samara has several possible sources, and no single origin is agreed. It is sometimes connected with Hebrew Samaria, often explained as watch or guarded, and sometimes with Arabic words related to evening conversation, while in English samara is also the botanical term for the winged seed of maples and elms. Samara is also the name of a large city on the Volga River in Russia. As a given name it has a smooth, exotic sound and fits alongside names like Samira, Tamara and Amara. Sam and Mara are simple nickname options.
Popularity over time
Samara first appears in US Social Security records in 1949. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #256 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,270 babies. In 2025, 957 babies were named Samara, and it ranked #320 nationally. That is 112% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,966 in 1950, #1,259 in 1980, #889 in 2000, #602 in 2010, and #320 in 2025. Of the 22,764 US girls named Samara since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,967 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Briella, Kali, Camilla, Thea, and Amina.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Samara ranked highest in Nevada, Maryland, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #175 | 15 |
| Maryland | #187 | 28 |
| New Mexico | #212 | 8 |
| California | #217 | 153 |
| New Jersey | #218 | 38 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Samara is usually pronounced suh-MAHR-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Samara
A few middle names that flow with Samara: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Samara
Similar names
Amira Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess; commander” · Arabic
#132
Adara Girl
uh-DAHR-uh
“uncertain; also a star name” · Hebrew
#1,004
Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
“radiant, or form of Sarah” · Arabic
#212
Samira Girl
suh-MEER-uh
“companion in evening conversation” · Arabic
#723
Eliora Girl
el-ee-OR-uh
“my God is light” · Hebrew
#914
Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
#263
Amirah Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess, commander” · Arabic
#490
Amyra Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“modern variant of Amira” · American (modern coinage)
#1,153
Ameera Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess” · Arabic
#1,367
Inara Girl
ih-NAHR-uh
“uncertain; often said ray of light” · Arabic
#1,049
Adira Girl
uh-DEER-uh
“strong, mighty” · Hebrew
#1,406
Zahira Girl
zuh-HEER-uh
“shining, radiant” · Arabic
#3,709
Lists that include Samara
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samara mean?
Samara is usually linked to Hebrew and Arabic roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Samara?
Samara has Hebrew and Arabic roots. Samara has several possible sources, and no single origin is agreed.
Is Samara a popular name?
Yes. Samara ranked #320 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Samara a boy or girl name?
Samara is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Samara?
Samara is usually pronounced suh-MAHR-uh. 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