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Samia

Girl name · 17 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Samia: 17 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 7 births in 2009.

Samia flows with a gentle, lyrical rhythm, rooted in the Arabic word *samā*, meaning “sky” or “elevated,” and often interpreted as “exalted” or “lofty.” The name gained international recognition through Samia Suluhu Hassan, who made history as Tanzania’s first female president, a figure of quiet strength and political resolve. In literature, Samia is also the heroine of a Somali folktale, celebrated for her wit and bravery. A softer variant, Samiya, shares the same skyward meaning and is occasionally seen in Scottish naming records. Though not tied directly to a place name, its uplifting meaning and cross-cultural appeal have made it a quietly cherished choice among families seeking a name that feels both worldly and warm.

Girl 4 of 52 years

Peak year
20097 babies
Latest (2015)
#8063 babies
Total births
17since 1994
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2009 · 7
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).