Samantha

Meaning: uncertain; perhaps Samuel + Anthea · Origin: English (American) · Gender: usually a girl's name

Origin & history

An 18th-century American coinage, possibly combining Samuel with the ending -antha (Greek anthos, 'flower'). The TV show Bewitched (1964) made it a hit.

Famous people named Samantha

Samantha Smith (child peace activist)

Nicknames

Sam, Sammie

Variants & related names

Samanta

Samantha name art

A free preview of a printable “Samantha” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.

Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.

FAQ

What does the name Samantha mean?

Samantha means “uncertain; perhaps Samuel + Anthea”. It comes from English (American).

Is Samantha a popular name?

Yes — Samantha has been one of the most popular girls' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.

What are nicknames for Samantha?

Sam, Sammie.

What are other forms of Samantha?

Samanta.

Similar names

Summer · Taylor · Wren · Annie · Gracie · Hadley

More: names starting with S · all girls' names

Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.