Origin and meaning of the name Samra

The origins of the name Samra are multifaceted as it is used in various cultures and languages. In Arabic, Samra is a feminine given name that means "tall" or "elegant." It also has Hebrew roots, where it is spelled Shamirah, meaning "a beautiful woman" or "the one who brings pleasure to others." In Sanskrit, Samra can be translated as "well-established," "prosperous," or "successful." However, the specific origin of a particular usage of the name Samra may depend on individual family history and traditions.

Learn more about the origin of the name Samra

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Samra

The name Samra is of Hebrew origin and has multiple interpretations, reflecting its rich history. One possible meaning is "asked of God" or "God has heard." It's a variation of the name Sarah, which appears numerous times in the Old Testament as the wife of Abraham and a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name Samra gained popularity outside the Hebrew culture due to the influence of these religions. In other languages, such as Arabic, Samra is also a common name but it means "lady" or "noblewoman." Despite its various origins and meanings, the name Samra remains significant and meaningful across diverse cultures and faiths.

Character traits associated with the name Samra

Samra is often recognized for her determination and resilience, demonstrating an unyielding spirit in the face of challenges. She possesses strong leadership qualities, inspiring those around her with her clear vision and strategic thinking. Samra is known for her empathy and compassion, showing care and concern towards others. She values open communication and fosters a collaborative environment. Additionally, she has an innate curiosity and passion for learning, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills. Despite her serious demeanor, she also appreciates humor and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life. Overall, Samra is respected for her integrity, intelligence, and ability to inspire those around her to strive for excellence.

Popularity of the name Samra

Samra is a name of Arabic origin that has gained some popularity globally, particularly among individuals and communities with ties to the Middle East. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Samra has been consistently ranked within the top 6,000 names for girls since 1997, peaking in popularity around 2008-2010. The name's appeal may be attributed to its simplicity and its association with strong, independent Arabic women, as represented by historical figures such as Samra Habib, a prominent Canadian journalist and activist. However, the usage of the name varies significantly across regions and cultures, reflecting differences in naming trends and cultural influences.

Famous people with the name Samra

Samra is a unique name that has been borne by several prominent individuals across various fields. In the realm of politics, Samra Bektašević, a Bosnian politician, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2015 to 2019. In the world of art, Samira Ahmed is a British television and radio broadcaster, journalist, and actress, known for her work on shows like 'Doctors' and 'The Archers'. In the field of academia, Samara Nakhate, an American sociologist, has made significant contributions in the study of gender and race. Lastly, Samra Habib, a Canadian author and photographer, gained recognition with her memoir 'We Have Always Been Here', detailing her experiences as a queer Muslim immigrant woman. These women, each in their own right, have made remarkable impacts in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Samra

Samra is primarily a female given name of Arabic origin, derived from the Hebrew name Shamirah and meaning "watchman" or "guard." Variations of this name may include:

1. Samara - This spelling variation is also used in various languages and cultures, such as Russian and Hebrew. It means "tower keeper" or "protectress," with a similar meaning to Samra.
2. Sammara - This variant is primarily found in the Middle East, with slight variations based on regional pronunciation differences.
3. Sumaya or Sumayyah - These are Arabic names that share a similar root (س-م-ر) as Samra, and while they do not translate directly to "watchman," they have comparable meanings related to protection and guardianship.
4. Shamira - This is a Hebrew variation of the name, which translates to "watcher" or "observer."
5. Samrah - Although less common, this spelling variation can be found in Arabic-speaking communities.
6. Semra - In Turkish, this is a different name entirely, meaning "cold wind," though it may be misinterpreted as a variant of Samra due to phonetic similarities.
7. Shamara - This is another variation that shares the same Hebrew root (ש-מ-ר) as Shamira and Samra, but its meaning varies depending on the language and culture. In Indian, it translates to "God's guard," while in Sanskrit, it means "to hear."
8. Simra - This variant is primarily found in Hebrew and Israeli communities, where it means "melody" or "tune." Although this name does not share the same roots as Samra, it may still be considered a variation due to phonetic similarities.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "samra"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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