Samantha is of Latin origin, derived from the Late Latin word 'samanta', which means 'listener' or 'hearing'. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages as a female given name, often used among the nobility due to its association with Saint Samson, an early Christian saint from Brittany who was renowned for his miracles and listening abilities. In English-speaking countries, Samantha began to be widely used in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by its use in the popular novel 'Samantha: An Adventure Novel' published in 1925. Today, it continues to be a beloved name choice, often associated with individuals who possess excellent listening skills and empathy.
The name Samantha experienced a significant increase in popularity from 1991 to 1993, with a peak of 12 births that year, before gradually declining over the following years up until 1999 with only 5 births.