Sameh is an alternate transcription of Arabic سامح (see Samih). It functions both as a masculine given name and as a surname, primarily in the Arab world. Etymology The name derives from the Arabic root سمح (samuḥa), meaning "to be kind, to be magnanimous." The name Samih carries the sense of "forgiving" or "kind." The transcription Sameh represents the name سامح (Sāmiḥ), where the first vowel is long, distinguishing it from the similar سميح (Samīḥ). Notable Bearers Several notable individuals bear the surname or given name Sameh: Abdelrahman Sameh (born 2000), Egyptian Olympic swimmer Ahmed Sameh, Egyptian computer scientist Sameh Shoukry (born 1952), Egyptian diplomat and Foreign Minister Sameh Fahmi (born 1949), Egyptian former Minister of Petroleum Sameh Ashour, Egyptian lawyer and former head of the Egyptian Bar Association Sameh Saeed (born 1992), Iraqi footballer Sameh Derbali (born 1986), Tunisian footballer Sameh Maraaba (born 1992), Palestinian footballer Sameh Youssef (born 1978), Egyptian footballer Sameh Zakout, Palestinian rapper Sameh Zoabi, Palestinian film director Usage The given name Sameh is popular in Egypt and other Arabic-speaking countries. Its meaning — "forgiving" — aligns with virtues emphasized in Islamic culture, making it a meaningful choice for boys. While less common as a surname, Sameh serves as a patronymic in some families. Key Facts Meaning: Forgiving, kind (from Arabic samuḥa) Origin: Arabic Type: Both male given name and surname Usage Regions: Egypt, Levant, and broader Arab world Related Names: Samih (original form), Samiha (feminine)