Sémiramis: a female name of Akkadian (Assyrian) origin meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat".It derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) word "Sammur-amat".
Sémiramis has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Akkadian (Assyrian) roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Sémiramis
Quick facts about Sémiramis
Origin
Akkadian (Assyrian)
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Sammur-amat
How to Pronounce Sémiramis
Sémiramis is pronounced /sɛˈmɪə.rɪs/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Sémir-am-is
Say it like: "SÉMIR-AM-IS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Sémiramis is predominantly used in french speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
french
Frequently Asked Questions About Sémiramis
What does the name Sémiramis mean?
Sémiramis means "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis.". The name comes from Sammur-amat. In its original form, the name derives from Semī́ramis (Σεμῑ́ρᾰμῐς). This akkadian (assyrian) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Sémiramis for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Sémiramis offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Sémiramis?
Sémiramis is a akkadian (assyrian) name. The name traces back to Sammur-amat. The original form Semī́ramis (Σεμῑ́ρᾰμῐς) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to french naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The akkadian (assyrian) meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Sémiramis a boy or girl name?
Sémiramis is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In akkadian (assyrian) tradition, Sémiramis has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Sémiramis?
Sémiramis is pronounced "/sɛˈmɪə.rɪs/". This pronunciation follows akk language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Sémiramis is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with akkadian (assyrian) names, listening to a native speaker say Sémiramis can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Sammur-amat influences how Sémiramis sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Sémiramis?
Sémiramis is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Sémiramis gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Sémiramis's popularity may vary between akkadian (assyrian) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Sémiramis holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Sémiramis commonly used?
Sémiramis is used primarily in french naming traditions. Though akkadian (assyrian) in origin, Sémiramis found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian (Assyrian) “Sammur-Amat.” Semiramis (Shamiram) was the Assyrian queen of Shamshi-Adad V, King of Assyria and ruler of the Neo Assyrian Empire, and its regent for four years until her son Adad-nirari III came of age. Various places in Assyria and throughout Mesopotamia as a whole, Medea, Persia, the Levant, Asia Minor, Arabia, and the Caucasus bore Semiramis’s name, but slightly changed in the Middle Ages, and an old name of the city of Van was Shamiramagerd. The indigenous Assyrians of Iraq, northeast Syria, southeast Turkey, and north-west Iran still name female children Semiramis." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Sémiramis into their naming traditions. A child named Sémiramis will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Sémiramis is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.