Sami

Sami is a boy's name that has both Arabic and Turkish origins and carries the meaning 'the exalted'. This derivation comes from the Arabic word sami, which means 'elevated' or 'exalted'. Additionally, Sami is also used as a short and affectionate form of the biblical name Samuel in Finnish and Hungarian.

What does the name Sami mean?

The name Sami has both Arabic and Turkish roots and means 'the exalted', derived from the Arabic term sami for 'elevated, exalted'. In another meaning, Sami is a short and affectionate form of the biblical name Samuel in Finland and Hungary, which translates to 'heard by God' or 'asked of God'. This derivation traces back to the Hebrew terms shama for 'to hear' and el for 'the mighty, God'. Sami is particularly popular in Finland and the Arab world and is increasingly given in Germany. Notable bearers of the name include former Finnish football player Sami Hyypiä and former German football professional Sami Khedira. Variants of the name include Samy and Sammy, while the feminine form is Samia.

Where does the name Sami come from?

The origin of the name Sami is both ancient Hebrew and Arabic, with meanings such as 'heard by God' or 'the exalted' and other variations existing. The Arabic word sami means 'elevated, exalted', while the Hebrew terms shama for 'to hear' and el for 'the mighty, God' are associated with Samuel. The languages in which the name is used include Arabic, Finnish, Turkish, and Hungarian.

How do you pronounce Sami?

The pronunciation of Sami is two syllables and fluid. It is often pronounced as 'Sa-mi' [ˈzaːmi] or [ˈsaːmi], with the name starting with a long A sound that is warm and open. The second syllable ends softly on an I sound. Through the open vowels, Sami conveys an accessible and harmonious effect - a name that impresses with calm radiance and clear simplicity.

When is the name day of Sami?

Sami, as a short form of Samuel, is celebrated on August 20 and October 10.

Popularity

In Germany, Sami is among the popular first names. Currently, it ranks 201st on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2015, when it reached 160th place. Over the last ten years, Sami has been used as a first name about 3,600 times, placing it 209th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 225th.

Nicknames & pet names

Ki / Salami / Sam / Samsoum / Samuel / Samy / Simsim / Smalm / Sousou / Sämi

Similar first names

Famous people

• Sami Aaltonen (singer of Private Line)
• Sami Abbod (Yemeni football player)
• Sami Allagui (football player)
• Sami Bouajila (actor from France)
• Sami El-Nounou (footballer from Germany)
• Sami Garam (Finnish writer)
• Sami Heiskanen (Finnish ski jumper)
• Sami Hinkka (bassist of the Finnish metal band Ensiferum)
• Sami Hyppiä (Finnish football player)
• Sami Izcican (football player)
• Sami Jo Small (ice hockey player)
• Sami Juaim (football player from Yemen)
• Sami Kapanen (Finnish ice hockey player)
• Sami Khedira (football player)
• Sami Lähteenmäki (Finnish ice hockey player)
• Sami Larabi (French footballer)
• Sami Mahlio (footballer from Finland)
• Sami Mermer (American film director)
• Sami Moubayed (Syrian historian)
• Sami Osala (drummer for Sunrise Avenue)