Samir
BoyArabic· “companion in evening talk”
- Meaning
- companion in evening talk
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- suh-MEER
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #643
- US babies 2025
- 434
- Best rank
- #586 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Samir
Samir is an Arabic name that means “companion in evening talk”.
Samir is an Arabic name meaning "companion in evening conversation" or "entertaining companion," from samar, the pleasant talk and storytelling shared in the evening. It suggests someone whose company is enjoyable and warm. Samir is used across the Arab world, and a similar name is found in India, where Sameer is often linked with a Sanskrit word for "wind" or "breeze." The name is short, friendly and easy to pronounce in many languages. Sam is a natural English nickname.
Popularity over time
Samir first appears in US Social Security records in 1957. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1977. Its best national rank was #586 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 488 babies. In 2025, 434 babies were named Samir, and it ranked #643 nationally. That is 31% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #973 in 1980, #834 in 2000, #807 in 2010, and #643 in 2025. Of the 11,094 US boys named Samir since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,698 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Krew, Alden, Louie, Westin, and Yosef.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Samir ranked highest in District of Columbia, Connecticut, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #164 | 6 |
| Connecticut | #357 | 9 |
| Georgia | #392 | 30 |
| New York | #398 | 44 |
| Maryland | #470 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Samir over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Samir is usually pronounced suh-MEER, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ir”.
Middle names for Samir
A few middle names that flow with Samir: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Samir
Similar names
Lists that include Samir
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Samir mean?
Samir is an Arabic name that means “companion in evening talk”.
What is the origin of the name Samir?
Samir has Arabic roots. Samir is an Arabic name meaning "companion in evening conversation" or "entertaining companion," from samar, the pleasant talk and storytelling shared in the evening.
Is Samir a popular name?
Yes. Samir ranked #643 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Samir a boy or girl name?
Samir is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Samir over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Samir?
Samir is usually pronounced suh-MEER. 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