The name Samaya has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the primary liturgical language of Hinduism and Buddhism. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent around the 2nd millennium BCE. The name Samaya is derived from the Sanskrit word "samaya," which means "time," "season," or "occasion."

In Hindu mythology, Samaya is mentioned as one of the names of the goddess Durga, who represents the feminine force of the universe and is worshipped as the embodiment of strength, courage, and protection. The name is also found in ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Vedas.

One of the earliest recorded usages of the name Samaya can be found in the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic dated between the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. In the epic, Samaya is mentioned as the name of a celestial nymph, or apsara.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Samaya. One of the earliest was Samaya Vamsha (c. 7th century CE), a Buddhist scholar and philosopher from the Nalanda University in ancient India. He is known for his contributions to the study of Buddhist logic and epistemology.

Another notable figure was Samaya Pandita (c. 11th century CE), a Buddhist scholar and teacher from Kashmir. He was renowned for his expertise in Sanskrit grammar, poetry, and Buddhist philosophy.

In the 12th century, Samaya Vajra (c. 1135-1203) was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist scholar and translator who played a crucial role in the transmission of Buddhist teachings from India to Tibet.

During the 16th century, Samaya Kashmiri (c. 1516-1589) was a prominent Kashmiri poet and scholar who wrote extensively in Persian and Sanskrit. His works are considered important contributions to the literary tradition of the region.

More recently, Samaya Dharmasutra (1927-2006) was a respected Buddhist monk and teacher from Sri Lanka. He was known for his efforts in promoting peace, non-violence, and inter-religious understanding.