Samanta

Samanta is the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Latvian, and Polish form of Samantha, a name that rose to prominence in the English-speaking world during the 18th century, though its precise origins remain uncertain. It may have been coined as a feminine form of Samuel, a Hebrew name meaning God has heard, or it may have arisen independently as a literary or folk creation. The name spread widely through popular culture, particularly following its use in 20th-century film and television. Closely related forms include Samantha, Samanta, and the diminutive Sam.