Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name 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”).

All About the Baby Name – Samantha

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. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL 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.

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

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Samantha

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SAMANTHA

Tracy Lord is the main character of the 1939 Philip Barry play, The Philadelphia Story, which he wrote for Katharine Hepburn, who played her both on Broadway and in the 1940 film of the same name. And Ms. Hepburn was born for this one. Tracy is a divorced young Main Line socialite on the eve of her second wedding, whose former husband, as well as a tabloid magazine writer, both arrive on her doorstep. The husband-to-be is a nouveau riche dullard with political ambitions, while the husband-who-was is a charming alcoholic (this was okay in the 30s and 40s). The tabloid journalist is a tabloid journalist. Naturally, Tracy finds her romantic leanings torn among all three of them. This is pure screwball comedy at its finest, with all the plot twists and tricks, pratfalls, mistaken identities and tipsy swimming scenes you can bear. Tracy is perfect, heedlessly rich, slightly snobby, but just sarcastically funny enough to keep us liking her. In the end, Tracy reconnects with her chastened husband, and we’re actually cheering her on.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Samantha

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SAMANTHA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Samantha


Popular Songs

ON SAMANTHA

I Love You Samantha
a song by Cole Porter

Lady Samantha
a song by Elton John

Samantha Doesn't Want Me
a song by the Huntingtons

Famous People

NAMED SAMANTHA

Samantha Harris (DWTS host)
Samantha Bee (comic)
Samantha Brown (TV personality)
Samantha Harris (DWTS host)
Samantha Bee (comic)
Samantha Brown (TV personality)
Samantha Harris (DWTS host)
Samantha Bee (comic)
Samantha Brown (TV personality)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SAMANTHA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Samantha

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SAMANTHA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Samantha