Soraya
Soraya is a girl name of Persian origin meaning “The Pleiades”, pronounced soh-RY-ah. It ranked #868 in the United States in 2025, given to 313 babies, and peaked at #868 in 2025. Common nicknames: Sora, Raya.
How popular is Soraya in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Soraya mean, and where does it come from?
Soraya is the Persian form of the Arabic Thurayya, the name of the Pleiades — the small bright cluster in Taurus that has been watched and named in every culture that has looked up. Its most famous bearer was Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, the second wife of the last Shah of Iran, whose divorce was one of the news stories of the 1950s. American records hold the name from 1955; it entered the top thousand in 2021 and reached its highest position in 2025.
How is Soraya used around the world?
Soraya is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Soraya?
Famous People Named Soraya
- Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari — Queen consort of Iran
- Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría — Deputy Prime Minister of Spain
- Soraya Tarzi — Queen of Afghanistan and campaigner for women's education
Similar Names to Soraya
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Sibling Name Ideas for Soraya
Looking for names that pair well with Soraya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Soraya mean?
Soraya is a girl name of Persian origin meaning "The Pleiades." Soraya is the Persian form of the Arabic Thurayya, the name of the Pleiades — the small bright cluster in Taurus that has been watched and named in every culture that has looked up. Its most famous bearer was Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, the second wife of the last Shah of Iran, whose divorce was one of the news stories of the 1950s.
How do you pronounce Soraya?
Soraya is pronounced soh-RY-ah. Common variations include Thurayya, Suraya, Soraia.
Is Soraya a girl name?
Yes, Soraya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Sora, Raya.