Samanta

Samanta is a name that can function as a feminine given name and as a surname. It is found across different cultures, with particular prevalence in South Asia, and is often treated as a regional variant or transliteration of the name Samantha.

In Indian contexts, Samanta is commonly used as a surname and, less often, as a given name. It appears among Odia- and Bengali-speaking communities and in other linguistic groups as well. The spelling Samanta also reflects pronunciation patterns in several languages that adapt Western names to local phonology. The given-name form is frequently linked to Samantha in Western contexts, though local usage may vary.

Historically, the word samanta has been used as a title for local lords or administrators serving under a ruler in various parts of India. In this feudal or administrative sense, the term influenced surname formation in several regions, contributing to the contemporary presence of Samanta as a family name.

Today, the name Samanta is borne by individuals in a range of fields, including sports, the arts, and academia, illustrating its broad adoption rather than a single lineage. Related forms include Samantha in English-speaking contexts and Samant or Samanta as variants in Indian languages. See also: Samantha; Samant.