All about the name

Sammantha

Female

« Samantha is a feminine given name of Greek origin meaning 'listening' or 'hearing', popularized by H.S. Eason's play 'Samantha's Diary'. »

#17858 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Samantha is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "samande," which means "listening" or "hearing." The name Samantha was not widely used until the mid-20th century, but it has since become quite popular. The use of Samantha as a given name can be traced back to the play "Samantha's Diary" by British playwright H. S. Eason. The play was first performed in 1895 and tells the story of a young girl named Samantha who keeps a diary of her daily life. After the success of the play, the name Samantha began to gain popularity as a given name for girls. In the United States, Samantha became particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Samantha was one of the top ten most popular girl names in the U.S. during those decades. Today, Samantha remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name with Greek origins and a strong meaning. In terms of its meaning, Samantha carries a positive connotation as it suggests attentiveness and good listening skills. This could be a fitting name for a child who is known for being a good listener or someone who takes in the world around them with keen observation. Overall, Samantha is a charming and timeless name with roots in Greek mythology and a history of popularity in many English-speaking countries. It's a great choice for parents looking for a name that combines strength and grace.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Sammantha since 1880

Total births
1,985
Total since 1880
Peak year
1991
121 births
in 2019
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-67%
vs previous 5 years