Sami

سَامِي

Unisex Arabic /SAH-mee/ #4974 in 2023

Sami is a unisex name of Arabic origin.

Meaning of Sami

"Elevated, sublime, noble of character." From the same root as *ism* (name) and *samāʾ* (sky).

Arabic root: s-m-w — (س-م-و, elevation)

Regional variants

Excellent bridge name — reads unambiguously in Arabic, English, and Finnish/European contexts. Very assimilation-friendly.

Popularity of Sami

Popularity, 1945–2023

174 births in 2023

1945 2023

6,331 U.S. births recorded from 1945–2023. Used for both boys and girls — see notes below.

Peak year

2017

190 babies

First recorded

1945

78 years of history

Recent trend

Steady

Last 5 yrs vs. prior 5

Variants & nicknames

SamySaami

Related guide

Arabic Names That Work in English Without Explanation

25 Arabic names that American teachers, doctors, and neighbors pronounce correctly on the first try. For families who want heritage without the daily spelling bee.

Read the full guide →

Famous people named Sami

Sami Zayn (WWE wrestler, Syrian-Canadian)

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About this page

Popularity counts come from the U.S. Social Security Administration's national dataset. Meaning and cultural context drawn from classical sources: Lisan al-Arab, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Qur'an and Sunnah. If you spot an error, please let us know.