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Samira

Girl name · 19 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Samira: 19 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2020.

From its Arabic roots, Samira means “pleasant companion” or “entertaining friend,” a name that evokes warmth and charm; it also traces to Sanskrit, where it signifies “wind” or “breeze,” adding a graceful, natural quality. Notable bearers include the American actress Samira Wiley, known for her roles in *Orange Is the New Black* and *The Handmaid’s Tale*, and the British journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed, a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4. The name also shares its origin with the Sanskrit *samīra*, a term for gentle wind, though no major place carries the name directly. A lovely variant is Samirah, while the similar Samara has gained popularity in its own right, making Samira a globally resonant yet distinctive choice.