Frangieh was born in Zgharta on 12 April 1945.[1] He hails from an old political family, the Frangieh family.[2] He is the son of Hamid Kabalan Frangieh and Lamia Michel (née Raffoul).[3] Hamid Frangieh was the elder brother of Suleiman Frangieh, who was President of Lebanon (1970-1976).[2] Therefore, Suleiman Frangieh Jr. and Samir Frangieh were cousins.[4]