Samantha
/səˈmænθə/noun
A feminine given name used chiefly in English-speaking cultures.
Did you know?Unlike Samuel, Samantha has no securely established ancient-language form; it appears in English records relatively late, making its supposed antiquity largely a modern illusion.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
Šəmūʾēl
“Samuel, a Hebrew personal name traditionally interpreted as involving God and hearing or the divine name; the ultimate source proposed for Samantha.”
Late Antiquity–Middle Ages
Latin
Samuel
“The biblical name transmitted through Latin and later adopted into European languages.”
Middle English
English
Samuel
“The established masculine personal name inherited from biblical and Christian tradition.”
18th Century
English
Samantha
“An English feminine name appearing in written usage; its formation is commonly explained as an elaboration of Samuel, though the exact coinage is uncertain.”
Modern English
English
Samantha
“A widely used feminine given name, often shortened to Sam or Sammy.”