Samus

Samus is a name that gained recognition primarily through the video game character Samus Aran, the protagonist of Nintendo's Metroid series introduced in 1986. The character's popularity has influenced the name's usage, though it remains uncommon. Samus may have Celtic origins, possibly derived from a variation of 'Seamus' (the Irish form of James, meaning 'supplanter'). In video game culture, the name carries associations of strength, independence, and pioneering spirit, as the character Samus Aran was one of the first female protagonists in gaming. While traditionally associated with females due to the character, the name has a gender-neutral sound and structure. Samus has a distinctive, memorable quality with its two syllables and unusual ending, appealing to parents interested in unique names with modern cultural references.

Pronounced SAH-mus.

As of October 2026, Samus ranked #13241 in US births in 2021 SSA, peaked at #11279 in 2018.