Sorayaثریا

/so-RAY-ah/

PersianGirl

Soraya is a Persian girl's name pronounced /so-RAY-ah/. An elegant name referring to the Pleiades star cluster, symbolizing brilliance and high status.

Meaning of Soraya

An elegant name referring to the Pleiades star cluster, symbolizing brilliance and high status.

Soraya is a Persian feminine name derived from 'Thurayya', the Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster. In Persian culture, the name symbolizes celestial beauty, brilliance, and elevated status, historically associated with the 'Seven Sisters' constellation.

Origin
Persian
Pronunciation
/so-RAY-ah/

Cultural background

The name is widely used across Iran, the Middle East, and Europe, particularly in France and Spain. It remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name that bridges Eastern heritage with Western phonetic appeal.

Variations & nicknames

  • Suraya
  • Surayya
  • Zoraida
  • Soraia
  • Souraya
  • Suri

Famous people named Soraya

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari

    The second wife of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and Queen of Iran.

    Politics · 1932–2001

  • Soraya Tarzi

    Queen of Afghanistan and a pioneering feminist leader.

    Politics · 1899–1968

  • Soraya Arnelas

    Spanish singer who represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest.

    Music · 2000s–present

  • Soraya Raquel Lamilla Cuevas

    Grammy-winning Colombian-American singer-songwriter.

    Music · 1990s–2006

  • Soraya Post

    Swedish politician and member of the European Parliament.

    Politics · 2010s–present

  • Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría

    Former Deputy Prime Minister of Spain.

    Politics · 2000s–present

Frequently asked about Soraya

What does Soraya mean?
Soraya means 'the Pleiades' or 'Princess', referring to the seven-star constellation known for its brilliance and beauty.
How do you pronounce Soraya?
It is typically pronounced soh-RAY-ah or suh-RYE-ah, depending on the regional language and accent.
Is Soraya a boy or girl name?
Soraya is exclusively a feminine given name.
Is Soraya a common name?
It is a well-established name in Persian, Arabic, and Spanish-speaking countries, often appearing in top 500 lists in parts of Europe.

Love Soraya? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Persian names each week — free, no spam.

Compare Soraya with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Persian names

See all Persian names
Find more names like Soraya