Rising since 1991, #3,130 for girls today.
Popularity of Samari since 1990
Babies named Samari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 97 | 24 |
| 2000s | 570 | 336 |
| 2010s | 502 | 193 |
| 2020s | 330 | 146 |
Meaning & origin
Samari is a modern American name that first entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1990, ranking 3,130 as of 2025. The name saw its peak popularity in 2007, and its usage has been on a gradual upward trajectory since 1991, with about 1 in 31,515 newborns receiving the name in 2025. It shows particular concentration in Ohio, Texas, and California. The etymology is uncertain; it may be a creative variant of Samara or a blend of Sam and Mari, reflecting a broader trend of inventive, melodic names in contemporary American naming. Samari's unisex appeal and modern sound have contributed to its steady rise over the past three decades.
Samari first appears in U.S. records in 1990, suggesting a modern coinage. It may be a creative respelling of Samara, which itself may derive from Hebrew 'shamar' (to guard), or a blend of popular names Sam and Mari. The name has steadily risen in usage since the 1990s, peaking in 2007.
Where Samari is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sam, Sami, Ari
Sibling names for Samari
Names that share Samari's style, for a brother or sister.
