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Samira

♀ Girl

Pronounced sah-MEER-ah /sɑːˈmiːr.ə/High

Meaning: From Arabic samira, the feminine form of samir (سمير), meaning 'entertaining companion' or 'one who entertains with conversation at night'; from the root s-m-r relating to nighttime companionship and storytellingHigh

In 30 seconds: Samira is an elegant Arabic name meaning 'entertaining companion' — the person whose conversation makes the night pass pleasantly. It is widely used across the Arab world and among Muslim communities globally, carrying warmth, wit, and grace.
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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew
MeaningFrom Arabic samira, the feminine form of samir (سمير), meaning 'entertaining companion' or 'one who entertains with conversation at night'; from the root s-m-r relating to nighttime companionship and storytelling
U.S. rank (2025)#723 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births387 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,873

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519612025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Samira is the feminine form of the Arabic name Samir, from the root relating to nighttime conversation and companionship. The name has been used across the Arab world, Persia, and South Asia for centuries. It has also been linked to a Hebrew form, suggesting cross-cultural resonance.

Samira has been used in the United States primarily among Arab American and Muslim American families, but its melodious three-syllable sound has attracted broader appreciation. It appears in several languages in slightly varied forms (Samire in Turkish, Samara in Slavic regions).

Did you know? The Arabic root of Samira, s-m-r, relates specifically to the ancient tradition of samar — gathering with friends at night to talk, tell stories, and share wisdom. This practice, central to Arabic culture, makes Samira's meaning uniquely social and intellectually warm.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Samira — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SamireSamirahSemira

Nicknames

SamSamiMira

Famous Bearers

  • ★Samira Wiley (1987–present)
    American actress known for Orange Is the New Black and The Handmaid's Tale.

If you like Samira…

Amira— shares the Arabic feminine -ira ending and the same elegant Islamic name heritage
Yasmin— fellow classic Arabic feminine name with the same melodious three-syllable flow
Laila— shares the nighttime/beautiful Arabic name tradition and the same warm romantic quality
Farida— parallel Arabic feminine name meaning 'unique' with the same cultural depth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Samira mean?

Samira means 'entertaining companion' or 'one who entertains with conversation at night' in Arabic, rooted in the ancient tradition of samar, nighttime storytelling.

How do you pronounce Samira?

Samira is pronounced sah-MEER-ah /sɑːˈmiːr.ə/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

What culture is the name Samira from?

Samira is primarily an Arabic name used widely across the Arab world, Persian-speaking countries, and Muslim communities globally.

Is Samira a popular name?

Samira is popular in the Arab world and among Muslim American communities. Its appealing sound is gaining broader recognition in Western countries.