Find out how popular the first name Samba has been for the last 28 years (from 1997 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Samba by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Samba is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Samba.

The history of the first name Samba

The name Samba originates from the Bantu languages spoken in Central and Southern Africa, particularly in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is believed to have derived from the Kimbundu word "semba," which means "a prayer of celebration."

In the 16th century, the name was associated with a traditional dance and music style that originated among the Ovimbundu and Mbundu people of Angola. This music and dance form were later introduced to Brazil by enslaved Africans during the Atlantic slave trade, where it became an integral part of Brazilian culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Samba appears in the 17th-century Portuguese text "Arte da Lingoa de Angola" by Pedro Dias. This text documented the language and customs of the Angolan people, including the use of the word "semba" to describe a celebratory dance.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Samba. One of the most famous is Samba Traoré (1936-1962), a Malian soldier and revolutionary who played a significant role in the struggle for independence from French colonial rule. Another notable figure is Samba Diabara Samake (1933-1988), a renowned Malian musician and griot who was known for his mastery of the kora, a West African harp-lute.

In the world of sports, Samba Diop (born 1986) is a Senegalese professional basketball player who has played in several European leagues. Samba N'Diaye (born 1984) is a Senegalese professional footballer who has played for several clubs in Europe and Asia.

Another notable individual with the name Samba is Samba Dieng (1889-1962), a Senegalese writer and educator who played a crucial role in promoting education and cultural preservation in his home country.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the first name Samba, reflecting its deep cultural roots and significance across various regions of Africa and beyond.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Samba was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Samba, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!