Rising since 1986, #1,219 for girls today.
Popularity of Sama since 1983
Babies named Sama per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 54 |
| 2000s | 242 |
| 2010s | 722 |
| 2020s | 784 |
Meaning & origin
Sama entered U.S. records in 1983 and has been rising in popularity, ranking 1219 in 2025 with 1 in 8641 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year is 2025, showing an upward trajectory since 1986. The name is most concentrated in Michigan, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, reflecting diverse cultural influences. Its straightforward spelling and soft sound appeal to parents seeking a name with global resonance, though its exact etymology remains debated between Arabic and Japanese roots.
The name Sama has multiple possible origins. In Arabic, 'sama' (سماء) means 'sky' or 'heaven', a common element in Arabic names. In Japanese, Sama can be written with kanji meaning 'sand' (砂) or as a respectful honorific. The name has seen modern use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States since the 1980s, often chosen for its simple, melodic sound.
Where Sama is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sama” around the world
Where Sama lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
13
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Sama
Names that share Sama's style, for a brother or sister.
