Name meaning & originSamira سميرة
/sah-MEE-rah/
Samira is an Arabic girl's name pronounced /sah-MEE-rah/. The name refers to a female companion who entertains others during the night.
Share this name
Meaning of Samira
The name refers to a female companion who entertains others during the night.
It is derived from the Arabic root 's-m-r', which relates to the ancient tradition of gathering for conversation under the moonlight. The masculine form is Samir. It carries connotations of being a good conversationalist, a storyteller, and a beloved companion in social settings.
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- /sah-MEE-rah/
Cultural background
The name is widely used throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, and has gained popularity in Europe—particularly in Bosnia, Germany, and France.
Variations & nicknames
- Samira
- Semira
- Samyra
- Samirah
- Sameera
- Mira
Famous people named Samira
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Samira Said
Acclaimed Moroccan-Egyptian pop singer
Music · 1980s–Present
Samira Makhmalbaf
Renowned Iranian film director and screenwriter
Film · 1990s–Present
Samira Wiley
American actress known for 'Orange Is the New Black'
Film · 2010s–Present
Samira Bawumia
Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana
Politics · 2010s–Present
Samira Ahmed
British journalist and BBC broadcaster
Journalism · 1990s–Present
Frequently asked about Samira
- What is the meaning of the name Samira in Islam?
- While not exclusively religious, in Islamic cultures it means 'a companion in evening talk' or 'loved'.
- Is Samira a common name?
- Yes, it is a very common name across the Muslim world and is increasingly popular in multicultural European societies.
- What is the masculine version of Samira?
- The masculine equivalent of the name is Samir.
Love Samira? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Arabic names each week — free, no spam.
By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.
Compare Samira with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
Keep browsing
More Arabic names
See all Arabic names- Zuhra/ZUH-rah/
Signifies brilliance, splendor, and the radiant beauty of the planet Venus.
- Ahmadأحمد/AH-mahd/
The name means 'highly praised' or 'one who constantly thanks God'.
- Nour/NOOR/
A timeless and radiant name signifying divine light and luminosity.
- Karimكريم/kah-REEM/
The name means generous, noble, and kind-hearted.
- Badruddinبدر الدين/bad-rood-DEEN/
A radiant name meaning the full moon of the religion.
- Yaraيارا/YAH-rah/
A delicate name meaning small butterfly or lady of the spring.
- Rayanريان/RAY-an/
The name Rayan literally means 'watered', 'luxuriant', or 'plentiful'.
- Ramiرامي/RAA-mee/
A poetic name referring to a skilled archer or one who aims for greatness.