Find out how popular the first name Samira has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Samira by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Samira is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 349 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Samira.

The history of the first name Samira

The name Samira originates from the Arabic language and has been in use for centuries across the Middle East and parts of North Africa. It is derived from the Arabic word "samir," which means "companion" or "entertainer."

Samira is believed to have its roots in ancient Arabic poetry and literature, where it was often used to describe female singers and storytellers who would entertain guests with their melodies and tales. The name gained popularity during the medieval Islamic era and has been documented in various historical records and manuscripts from that time period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Samira can be found in the 10th-century Arabic anthology "Kitab al-Aghani" (The Book of Songs), which chronicles the lives and works of famous musicians and poets from the early Islamic world. In the anthology, there are references to several notable female singers and entertainers named Samira.

Throughout history, there have been several notable women who bore the name Samira. One of the most famous was Samira Moussa (1917-1952), an Egyptian singer and actress who was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Arabic music during the mid-20th century. Her powerful vocals and captivating performances earned her widespread acclaim across the Arab world.

Another prominent figure with the name Samira was Samira Said (1936-2022), an Algerian-born French actress and writer who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. She was widely celebrated for her work in both French and Arabic cinema and was a recipient of several prestigious awards.

In the realm of literature, Samira Negrouche (born 1974) is an Algerian author and poet who has gained recognition for her works exploring themes of identity, exile, and the experiences of women in the Arab world. Her poetry collections and novels have been translated into multiple languages and have received critical acclaim.

Another notable figure with the name Samira is Samira Ahmed (born 1968), a British journalist and broadcaster who has worked for various news organizations, including the BBC and Channel 4. She has been recognized for her contributions to journalism and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the media industry.

Samira Makhmalbaf (born 1980) is an Iranian film director and screenwriter who has been celebrated for her thought-provoking and socially conscious films. She gained international recognition at a young age and has been lauded for her unique storytelling and perspectives on contemporary Iranian society.

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 Samira was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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