The name Samantha is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Samuel, which means "name of God" or "heard by God." It is a feminine form of the male name Samuel, which was popularized in the Bible as the name of the prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

Samantha first emerged as a distinct name in the 17th century, but it remained relatively uncommon until the late 20th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Samantha dates back to 1684, when it appeared in the records of the parish of St. James, Dukes Place, London.

In the 18th century, the name Samantha gained some popularity among English and American Puritans, who appreciated its biblical roots. One notable figure from this period was Samantha Hoskins (1671-1727), an English Quaker minister and author who wrote about her travels and ministry.

The name Samantha experienced a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, partly due to its use in popular culture. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Samantha Stephens, the lead character in the television series "Bewitched" (1964-1972), played by actress Elizabeth Montgomery.

Another notable Samantha from the 20th century was Samantha Smith (1972-1985), an American schoolgirl who became a peace activist and ambassador at the age of 10. In 1983, she wrote a letter to Soviet leader Yuri Andropov expressing her concerns about nuclear war, which led to her being invited to visit the Soviet Union. Tragically, Samantha died in a plane crash at the age of 13.

In the literary world, Samantha Power (born 1970) is an Irish-American author, diplomat, and human rights activist. She served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2017 and won the Pulitzer Prize for her book "A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide."

Throughout history, the name Samantha has been associated with strong, independent, and accomplished women. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Hebrew, the name has taken on new meanings and significance in various cultures and contexts over time.