Samir

Samir is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It derives from a root associated with talking or entertaining in the evening, and the name is commonly interpreted as meaning “companion in conversation” or “one who talks in the evening.” It is widely used across Arabic-speaking communities and has been adopted in South Asia and other regions through cultural contact. Variants and transliterations include Sameer, Sami, Samer, and Sāmir, with Sameer and Samir being among the most common.

The name is found across the Arab world, Iran, Turkey, and South Asia, and is typically masculine, though in diaspora communities it may occasionally appear as a surname. Its use spans diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, reflecting historical connections between regions.

Notable people named Samir include the French former professional footballer Samir Nasri; the Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanović; and the Lebanese political figure Samir Geagea. The name is common in sports, politics, and the arts, illustrating its broad adoption across cultures. The feminine form of the name is Samira, and related given names include Sami and Sameer.