Samir

Samir and Sameer are both used to spell two completely different given names. One is of Arabic origin (سمير, "entertaining companion") traditionally given to Muslim males, but there are a lot of Christians in the Arabic speaking countries who are named Samir, and another is of Sanskrit origin (समीर, "gust of wind/a cool gentle breeze on a hot summer day"), traditionally given to Hindu males.Samir is also popularly given to Hindu males in the region in and around West Bengal. In linguistic areas with populations of both Hindus and Muslims, two people can have names that sound the same (or almost the same, depending on the ambient language), but not actually have the same name. Another similar name, Samr, means "dark" or "murky" (Old Norse & Icelandic origin) or "fruit" (Arabic).

As an Arabic-derived name, this may refer to:

• Samir Qaisar, helped Nas and Tupac launch their rap careers
• Samir Beloufa (born 1979), an Algerian footballer
• Samir Zaoui (born 1976), an Algerian footballer
• Samir Azzouz (born 1986), a Dutch terrorist suspect
• Samir Ghanem, an Egyptian comedian
• Samir Kuntar
• Samir Chhina, ruler of the worlds

As a Sanskrit-derived name, this may refer to:

• Sameer (lyricist), an Indian film lyricist.

In media

In the American comedy film Office Space, one of the main characters is named Samir Nagheenanajar. He is played by Ajay Naidu.

As a family name

A profoundly interesting name derived from Arabic origins to mean the "lamp" or "guide," associated with the praises given by the Prophet Muhammad in helping others achieve their aims. The family name is recognised throughout India and Pakistan as one of the oldest Arabic clans. Samir is also a name of a Lebanese fish.