Soraya — Meaning, Origin, Pronunciation & 2026 Popularity

TL;DR: Soraya (soh-RYE-uh) is the Persian and Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster — the seven sisters constellation. Carried into Western consciousness through Empress Soraya of Iran in the 1950s, it's both ancient and modern. Used across Persian, Arabic, and increasingly Western families.

Quick facts

The story behind the name

Soraya is one of the most poetic names in the Persian tradition. It traces to the Arabic word Thurayya (ثُرَيَّا), the traditional Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster — known in Western astronomy as the Seven Sisters.

The Pleiades occupies a beautiful place across mythologies:

• Greek: the seven daughters of Atlas
• Persian/Arabic: a celestial wealth-bringer
• Maori: rising in midwinter, marks the new year
• Aboriginal Australian: seven sisters

To name your daughter Soraya is to name her after this ancient celestial sisterhood — a name with astronomical depth.

The name gained Western recognition through Empress Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari (1932–2001), the German-Iranian second wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. Her tragic story of love and forced separation made her a global celebrity in the 1950s and brought the name to international consciousness.

How to pronounce Soraya

Standard pronunciation: soh-RYE-uh — three syllables, stress on the middle.

Alternative: sor-AH-yuh (slightly different stress, also accepted).

Common mispronunciation: "soar-EYE-uh" (over-Anglicizing the opening).

How popular is Soraya?

In Iran: Top 50 girls' name, with deep historical resonance.

In Arab-majority countries (often as Thurayya): Common across the region.

In France: Top 200 (the Persian-French connection runs deep).

In the US: ~250 per year, rising steadily.

Globally: ~5,000+ newborns per year.

Pairings

Best middle names

• Soraya Jane
• Soraya Rose
• Soraya Faith
• Soraya Layla (Persian-Arabic combo)
• Soraya Maryam

Best surname pairings

• Persian/Arabic surnames: Naderi, Hashemi, Pour, Khan
• Short Anglo surnames: Lee, Park, Bell
• Italian surnames work beautifully (the rhythm aligns)

Sibling names

Persian-coded siblings: Darius (DAR-ee-us), Cyrus (SY-rus), Yasmin (yas-MEEN), Roxana (rok-SAH-nah), Kiana (kee-AH-nah, "rain"), Cyra (SY-rah, "throne").

Famous bearers

• Empress Soraya of Iran — Iconic 1950s royal
• Soraya Lavasani — Iranian actress
• Soraya Mouloudji — French-Algerian actress
• Soraya Vieux — French actress

Soraya in pop culture

• Appears in multiple Persian films and literature
• Used in Game of Thrones extended fiction
• The 1955 American film The Princess and the Doctor fictionalized Empress Soraya's story

Frequently asked questions

Is Soraya religious?

It has Islamic cultural roots (used widely in Muslim-majority Persian and Arab cultures) but is not specifically religious. The name's meaning is astronomical/poetic, making it secular-friendly.

What's the difference between Soraya and Thurayya?

Same name, different transliterations:

• Soraya — Persian-influenced spelling, more common in Iran and the West
• Thurayya (or Sorayya) — Arabic transliteration, common in Arab-majority countries

Are there nicknames?

Soso, Raya, or Sora are occasional nicknames. The full name is short enough that most Sorayas use it as-is.

Will Americans understand the name?

Most need one repetition, but the structure is intuitive. After the first introduction, retention is high — the name is memorable and rhythmic.

Names similar to Soraya

Considering Soraya for your baby?

Soraya works beautifully for families with:

• Persian, Iranian, Afghan, or Tajik heritage
• Arab cultural background
• A love of celestial and astronomical names
• Cross-cultural marriages where Persian heritage is honored

Our AI naming tool can suggest 10 personalized Persian or celestial names →.

Related names

• Noor — meaning, origin, popularity
• Liora — meaning, origin, popularity
• Aurelia — meaning, origin, popularity

Last updated: May 2026. Generated and curated by Fablely.