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Home › Baby Names Directory › Samori

Samori

♂ Boy

Pronounced sa-MOR-ee /sɑˈmɔːr.i/Medium

Meaning: Samori is a West African (Mandinka) name carried most famously by Samori Ture, the 19th-century founder of the Wassoulou Empire who resisted French colonial rule. Its precise lexical meaning is not firmly documented.Low

In 30 seconds: A name of resistance and pride: Samori honors Samori Ture, the West African leader (said 'sa-MOR-ee'). Strong and rooted.
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Origin MediumMandinka
MeaningSamori is a West African (Mandinka) name carried most famously by Samori Ture, the 19th-century founder of the Wassoulou Empire who resisted French colonial rule. Its precise lexical meaning is not firmly documented.
U.S. rank (2025)#10493 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 73

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199919842025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Samori is a Mandinka name of West Africa, borne most famously by Samori Ture, founder of the Wassoulou Empire and a symbol of anti-colonial resistance. Its exact lexical meaning is not firmly recorded. A strong, historic name (said 'sa-MOR-ee').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records, most often in families honoring African heritage. Rare, historic, and rooted.

Did you know? Samori honors Samori Ture, the 19th-century West African leader who founded the Wassoulou Empire and long resisted French colonization — a name of courage and pride (said 'sa-MOR-ee').
Overall data confidence 48%
References — Samori — Mandinka name; leader Samori Ture; lexical meaning not firmly documented

Variations

SamorieSamorySamoré

Nicknames

SamMori

Famous Bearers

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If you like Samori…

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By themeheritagewest-africanhistoricmandinka

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Samori mean?

Samori is a West African (Mandinka) name borne by leader Samori Ture; its exact lexical meaning is not firmly documented.

How do you pronounce Samori?

It's said sa-MOR-ee /sɑˈmɔːr.i/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Samori a boy or girl name?

Samori is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Samori?

Samori is a rare name in the U.S., seen most in families honoring African heritage.

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