Rising since 1986, #1,880 for girls today.
Popularity of Samaria since 1952
Babies named Samaria per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 38 |
| 1970s | 140 |
| 1980s | 203 |
| 1990s | 732 |
| 2000s | 1,775 |
| 2010s | 1,061 |
| 2020s | 556 |
Meaning & origin
Samaria entered U.S. birth records in 1952, but its real ascent began in the 1980s, rising steadily since 1986. It reached a peak rank in 2007, reflecting a broader trend of biblical and place-inspired names ending in the fashionable -ia suffix. In 2025, the name ranks 1880th, meaning approximately 1 in 15,454 newborn girls are named Samaria. Its strongest popularity has been in Alabama, North Carolina, and Illinois. While still uncommon, Samaria maintains steady use, particularly in the South and Midwest, as parents seek distinctive names with ancient roots.
Samaria is a place name from the ancient capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Hebrew name Shomron is traditionally linked to the root 'shamar', meaning 'to watch' or 'to guard'. As a given name, Samaria emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the biblical region and the popularity of other place and biblical names ending in -ia.
Where Samaria is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sami, Sam, Mari
Variants: Samarya
Sibling names for Samaria
Names that share Samaria's style, for a brother or sister.
