Proper noun

1. of American origin; the female form of Samuel, possibly influenced by Anthea. (The meaning "listener" given in many baby name books is based on Samuel.)

Quotations

• 1876 Phebe Ann Hanaford: Women of the Century: page 525:

  These country girls, as they were called, had queer names, which added to the singularity of their appearance. Samantha, Triphena, Plumy, Leafy, Ruhamah, Lovey, and Florilla were among them.

• 1888 Marietta Holley: Josiah Allen's Wife as a P.A. and P.I.: Samantha at the Centennial: page 577:

  "Its name is Samantha Jo, after Josiah and me. - - - If it had been a boy, we was layin' out to call it Josiah Sam, - Sam for Samantha."