Samantha - Baby Girl Name Meaning and Origin | Oh Baby! Names

Quick Facts on Samantha

Gender:
Girl
Origin:
American
Number of syllables:
3
Ranking popularity:
29

Pronunciation:

sa-MAN-tha

Simple meaning:

Flower of God

Characteristics of Samantha

Freedom-loving
Adventurous
Adaptable
Intellectual
Easygoing
Progressive
Sensual

Etymology & Historical Origin - Samantha

Samantha is a made-up female given name; it was essentially invented in America near the end of the 17th century. As a result, the etymology of the name is somewhat unclear. It was likely inspired by the masculine name Samuel, combined with the feminine suffix “-antha” (from the Greek “anthos” meaning “flower"). Samuel is a Hebrew name, from Shemu'el, meaning “in the name of God” from the Hebrew elements “shem” (name) and “El” (God). Samantha could therefore be construed to mean “God’s flower” or “flower of God”. Although the name has been recorded since the early days of American colonization, Samantha did not enjoy any widespread success until the mid-20th century (thanks to the 1960s sitcom “Bewitched”).

Popularity of the Name Samantha

The name Samantha had very little to no success in the first half of the 20th century in America. The name basically blasted onto the charts in 1964 from almost complete obscurity. No coincidence, 1964 was the year “Bewitched” debuted as a hit TV sitcom about a very delightful good-witch named “Samantha.” Over forty years later, the name kept climbing the charts and is clearly here to stay (despite her bewitching first appearance). There’s still something fun-loving and mischievous associated with the name Samantha, as if we all see that twinkle in her eye. The success of “Sex in the City” with the popular character Samantha reminded a new generation of TV viewers why we love this name. Samantha’s height of popularity came in 1998 when she was the 3rd most popular baby girl’s name in the country (Emily and Hannah had her beat). She managed to maintain Top 10 standings for 19 consecutive years (from 1988 to 2006 – quite a successful ride). Although she appears to be diminishing in popularity today, Samantha still holds strong to America’s Top 50 favorites. The pet form “Sam” is becoming a given name in its own right, and provides an androgynous option to the longer Samantha.

Popularity of the Girl Name Samantha

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Cultural References to the Baby Name - Samantha

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Samantha

Samantha We cannot find any significant literary characters named Samantha.
Popular Songs on Samantha

I Love You Samantha - a song by Cole Porter

Lady Samantha - a song by Elton John

Lady Samantha - a song by Three Dog Night

Samantha Doesn't Want Me - a song by the Huntingtons
Children's Books on the Baby Name Samantha

Meet Samantha (American Girls Series, American Girls) - In 1904, nine-year-old Samantha, an orphan living with her wealthy grandmother, and her servant friend Nellie have a midnight adventure when they try to find out what has happened to the seamstress who suddenly left her job. Enjoy the rest of Samantha's beautifully illustrated books, filled with her inspiring stories about growing up in 1904. They are: Samantha Learns a Lesson; Samantha's Surprise; Happy Birthday, Samantha!; Samantha Saves the Day; and Changes for Samantha. Recommended for ages 9-12.

Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine (Evaline Ness) - Samantha (known as Sam) is a fisherman’s daughter who dreams rich and lovely dreams--moonshine, her father says. But when her tall stories bring disaster to her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs, Sam learns to distinguish between moonshine and reality. This book was a Caldecott winner (1967). Recommended for ages 4-8.

Sammy Keyes Series (Wendlin Van Draanen) - Sammy Keyes is a series of mystery novels focusing on a 13-year-old girl, Sammy, and her adventures as an amateur sleuth. The books, which are narrated in the first-person perspective by Sammy, involve detective fiction as well as comedy. Sammy begins her adventures in the first book as a seventh-grader, and the series will end when she completes the eighth grade. Twenty books are planned for the series. Recommended for ages 9-15.

The Name of the Game Was Murder (Joan Lowery Nixon) - Samantha does not want to go when great-uncle Augustus Trevor blackmails a group of celebrities to participate in a ""game"" at his island mansion--but when Uncle Augustus is found dead, Samantha must join the game. Recommended for ages Young Adult.
Famous People Named Samantha

Famous People Named Samantha - Samantha Harris (DWTS host); Samantha Bee (comic); Samantha Brown (TV personality)
Children of Famous People Named Samantha

Famous People who Named their Daughter Samantha - Cynthia Nixon (actress); Danielle Steel (author); Maurice Gibb (musician); Sally Struthers (actress)
Samantha - Girl Baby Name - Historic Figures

Samantha - We cannot find any historical significant people with the first name Samantha.

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Personality of the Girl Name Samantha

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change. Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy. This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive.

Variations of the Baby Name - Samantha

Sam (English)

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