Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Sami
BoyArabic· “elevated, sublime”
- Meaning
- elevated, sublime
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- SAH-mee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,114
- US babies 2025
- 193
- Best rank
- #1,113 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Sami
Sami is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “elevated, sublime”.
Sami is an Arabic name meaning "elevated," "sublime" or "exalted," from a root linked to height and eminence. It is used across the Arab world and in many Muslim communities, and its feminine form is Samiya. In Finland and other countries, Sami also serves as a short form of Samuel, an unrelated Hebrew name. Pronounced SAH-mee, it is short, friendly and easy to say. Sami suits parents who want a simple name with an uplifting meaning and international appeal. It pairs well with longer middle names and works at any age.
Other spellings with the same sound: Sammy, Sammie.
Popularity over time
Sami first appears in US Social Security records in 1955. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,113 in 2017, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 193 were named Sami. In 2025, 193 babies were named Sami, and it ranked #1,114 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,274 in 1980, #1,359 in 2000, #1,277 in 2010, and #1,114 in 2025. Of the 5,303 US boys named Sami since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,307 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Makoa, Rami, Santi, Ayman, and Yazan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sami ranked highest in Virginia, Michigan, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #471 | 17 |
| Michigan | #598 | 14 |
| Illinois | #625 | 15 |
| Massachusetts | #684 | 7 |
| Ohio | #707 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 87% of US babies named Sami over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Sami is usually pronounced SAH-mee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with S and ends in “-mi”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Sammy and Sammie.
Middle names for Sami
A few middle names that flow with Sami: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sami
Similar names
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Lists that include Sami
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sami mean?
Sami is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “elevated, sublime”.
What is the origin of the name Sami?
Sami has Arabic roots. Sami is an Arabic name meaning "elevated," "sublime" or "exalted," from a root linked to height and eminence.
Is Sami a popular name?
Not especially. Sami ranked #1,114 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Sami a boy or girl name?
Sami is mainly a boy's name. About 87% of US babies named Sami over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Sami?
Sami is usually pronounced SAH-mee. 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