Rising since 1999, #2,884 for boys today.
Popularity of Samay since 1998
Babies named Samay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0 | 7 |
| 2000s | 0 | 141 |
| 2010s | 30 | 127 |
| 2020s | 11 | 170 |
Meaning & origin
Samay entered U.S. birth records in 1998 and has been steadily rising, reaching peak popularity in 2025. Despite its low national rank of 2,884, with an incidence of 1 in 39,723 newborns, the name shows strong regional appeal in states such as Washington, New Jersey, and California. The upward trajectory since 1999 reflects growing interest in names rooted in Sanskrit and Indian culture. Samay embodies a timeless philosophical concept, offering a distinctive yet accessible choice for families seeking a meaningful name outside the mainstream.
Samay derives from the Sanskrit word समय (samaya), meaning 'time', 'proper moment', or 'season'. It has been used as a given name in India, particularly among Hindu families, reflecting the philosophical concept of time as cyclical and auspicious. The name began appearing in U.S. records in the late 1990s, coinciding with increased use of Sanskrit-derived names globally.
Where Samay is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sam
Variants: Samaya
Sibling names for Samay
Names that share Samay's style, for a brother or sister.
