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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Samantha

64 replies

samantha9 · 10/12/2025 20:26

What do you think of this name for a little girl born in 2026? I like Sam and Sammy as shortenings but really like the longer name too. Is it an underused classic or unusable?

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DiscoBeat · 10/12/2025 20:39

I've always loved that name. I think it's timeless

schoolsoutforever · 10/12/2025 20:39

Not unusable. I like Sam for a nn. I think you'd be a trend setter because. fairly soon, the 50s-60s-70s names are surely going to come back.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 10/12/2025 20:41

I think it's lovely - we have a little Steven at school and I'm enjoying seeing the names from MY generation start to creep back past all the Arthurs, Hugos and Maya/Maia/Mias

Calliopespa · 10/12/2025 20:43

It's a name that was used steadily from before I was born - in the "generation" between me and my mum really (60's? early 70s babies?), so it certainly is not a made-up or wacky name.

It seems to have fallen out of fashion a bit, but, having embraced my Grandmother's generation with the Mabels and Ediths etc, lots of people are now making noises about bringing back the names of my mum's generation - the Susies and Helens and so forth, so it probably is a bit ahead of the curve to use it.

I'm more of a "stuffy" Elizabeth and Harriette user in terms of my own style, BUT I do rather like Samantha, and while it's not quite what I'd use myself, if someone told me they were, I'd say it's lovely and mean it. I think it is classic, and Sam is sweet and a bit sassy

I'd say go for it! .

everdine · 10/12/2025 20:46

It reminds me of Samantha in Bewitched which I loved!

samantha9 · 10/12/2025 21:11

I’m really pleasantly surprised by the positive responses, thank you for giving a response and saying why, as while I keep being drawn to the name, I never see it suggested here. Maybe I am ahead of the curve, there’s a first time for everything! We do have Harriet and Matilda on a longer list .

OP posts:
Mandarinaduck · 10/12/2025 21:16

It was so popular when I was young it felt boring. Now, with fresh eyes, it seems extremely pretty.

Laiste · 10/12/2025 21:20

I love it!
I have DD Samantha 😊

Mariammaom · 10/12/2025 21:20

I like it a lot and Sam is a cute nickname.

Onefortheroad25 · 10/12/2025 21:22

I love it! I know a Samantha and she goes by Sam. Do it!

Moreteaandchocolate · 10/12/2025 22:12

I associate it with someone in their 30s/40s (I know quite a few of that age range) and so it’s beginning to feel a bit middle aged and dated to me. It’s certainly not unusable though if you love it!

Biglumpycustard · 10/12/2025 22:31

I love the name, as it’s my name.

miniaturepixieonacid · 10/12/2025 22:34

I really like it. The only thing that puts me off is that every Samantha I know goes by Sam. I don't really dislike Sam but Samantha is just so much nicer and I wouldn't want it shortened.

allthegoodusernameshavegone · 10/12/2025 22:38

I don’t think it’s ever been over used through the years and Sammy & Sam are good nn. It’s timeless and slightly different in equal measure. Go for it

GoodVibesHere · 10/12/2025 22:41

I love it, and think it's really pretty and yet strong. Somehow it's one of those names that looks pretty written down too.

OhPIease · 10/12/2025 22:43

I absolutely love it.

MarbleDrive · 10/12/2025 22:44

I’m a 70s baby so I think of it as a name of so many classmates. Along with Sarah, Clare, Rachel, Helen, Nicola etc.

It’s an ok name, if a bit bland.

Pettenell · 10/12/2025 23:21

I like it and I think it is very usable. The name has a freshness for me when a good name like this is used out of its most popular generation.

user2848502016 · 10/12/2025 23:34

I don’t really like it sorry, or Sam/Sammie, not because it’s dated it’s just a name I’ve never liked much.
I do like it more than Harriet though, but I really like Matilda.
If you love it though don’t not use it just because you think it’s dated

Guiltypleasures001 · 10/12/2025 23:35

That’s me 😏my Dad named me after the Bewitched Samantha
but I go by Sam 😁

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 10/12/2025 23:35

I like it, it reminds me of bewitched

I don't like Sam though, but since you do, go for it

ResusciAnnie · 10/12/2025 23:40

I know a little Sammy who I assume is a Samantha! It works.

Mariammaom · 11/12/2025 07:20

My best friend is called Samantha. She’s known as Sam. I don’t like Sammy.

ACynicalDad · 11/12/2025 07:22

Samantha and Hannah were two I really liked, I’m sure there were more, then were had boys.

Emanwenym · 11/12/2025 10:33

Top 25 name in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. In the top 100 names for girls 1960s and 2000s.
Samantha. I think of Samantha Cameron, Samantha Morton, Sam Fox and Sammy Rogers. I only know one and she was born in the late1960s
Dated but not awful.