Declining since 2012, #2,194 for girls today.
Popularity of Samiya since 1979
Babies named Samiya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 173 |
| 2000s | 1,502 |
| 2010s | 1,818 |
| 2020s | 554 |
Meaning & origin
Samiya is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'exalted' or 'lofty.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1979 and reached its peak popularity in 2011, when it ranked highest. Since 2012, its usage has been steadily declining, and as of 2025 it sits at rank 2,194, with about 1 in 19,134 baby girls receiving the name. Geographically, Samiya has been most common in Minnesota, New York, and Georgia, reflecting its particular appeal in states with significant Arabic-speaking or Muslim communities. The name's simple elegance and uplifting meaning continue to attract parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a melodic sound.
Samiya is a feminine name of Arabic origin, derived from the root s-m-w (سمو), meaning 'to be high' or 'exalted.' It is closely related to the masculine name Sami and shares linguistic roots with Samiya's variant Samia. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities, often chosen for its uplifting meaning. In the United States, it gained modest popularity starting in the late 20th century.
Where Samiya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Samiya” around the world
Where Samiya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sami, Mia
Sibling names for Samiya
Names that share Samiya's style, for a brother or sister.

