Soraya
Soraya is a Muslim girl name of Arabic, via Persian origin, meaning “The Pleiades”.
| Meaning | The Pleiades |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Arabic, via Persian |
| Written as | ثريا |
| Pronunciation | so-RAH-yah |
| Tradition | Muslim |
| Used in | Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Africa |
Meaning and origin of Soraya
Soraya is what the Arabic Thurayyā, the Pleiades star cluster, sounds like in Persian; the root behind it is linked to abundance. Persian speakers turn the Arabic 'th' into an 's', and so Soraya was born. From Iran the name travelled on to Turkey, Europe and Latin America. Two queens of the twentieth century made it famous: Soraya Tarzi of Afghanistan and Soraya Esfandiary of Iran.
Is Soraya a Muslim name?
Muslim families have long used Soraya, the Persian rendering of the Arabic Thurayya, the Pleiades.
How popular is Soraya?
It is popular in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, often as Suraya, and in North Africa and Europe.
Gifts with the name Soraya
- Soraya name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Soraya baby gifts (Amazon)
- Muslim baby gifts & books (Amazon)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Soraya
Names similar to Soraya
More Muslim girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Soraya mean?
Soraya means 'The Pleiades'. It is of Arabic, via Persian origin.
Is Soraya a Muslim name?
Muslim families have long used Soraya, the Persian rendering of the Arabic Thurayya, the Pleiades.
How do you pronounce Soraya?
Soraya is pronounced so-RAH-yah.
Is Soraya a boy or girl name?
Soraya is usually a girl name.