What does Soraya mean and where does it come from?
Soraya is an elegant name with roots in Persian culture. It gained notoriety as the name of Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, the second wife of the last Shah of Iran. In various cultures, the name symbolizes beauty and grace, often associated with nobility and refinement. It has been used in literature
Cultural significance
Soraya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of persian.
Peak popularity
Reached #868 in 2025 — currently #868 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Soraya?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Soraya?
Soraya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Soraya Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Soraya Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Soraya Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Soraya Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Soraya Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Soraya Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Soraya right now?
Rising — up 43 spots — currently #868 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #868 | 313 | ▲ up 43 · +7% births |
| 2024 | #911 | 292 | ▲ up 239 · +38% births |
| 2023 | #1150 | 212 | ▼ down 96 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #1054 | 242 | ▼ down 64 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #990 | 262 | ▲ up 192 · +35% births |
| 2020 | #1182 | 194 | ▲ up 44 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #1226 | 201 | ▼ down 1 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #1225 | 197 | ▲ up 73 · +15% births |
| 2005 | #1298 | 172 | ▲ up 562 · +87% births |
| 2000 | #1860 | 92 | ▲ up 179 · +37% births |
| 1995 | #2039 | 67 | ▲ up 287 · +24% births |
| 1990 | #2326 | 54 | ▲ up 252 · +42% births |
| 1985 | #2578 | 38 | ▼ down 581 · -28% births |
| 1980 | #1997 | 53 | ▲ up 441 · +61% births |
| 1975 | #2438 | 33 | — |
The story of Soraya
Soraya entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. With 5,484 total births recorded, Soraya remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5814 in 1955 to #1150 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Soraya in 2025:
Soraya by decade
Soraya peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 60 | |
| 1960s | 327 | |
| 1970s | 313 | |
| 1980s | 422 | |
| 1990s | 629 | |
| 2000s | 1,580 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,959 | |
| 2020s | 799 | |
💎With 5,484 total births, Soraya is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Soraya?
What names sound and feel like Soraya?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Soraya also consider these
How is Soraya written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Soraya
What does the name Soraya mean?
Soraya means "Persian" — a name rooted in Persian tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Soraya?
Soraya is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Soraya?
Soraya originates from Persian tradition. Persian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Soraya?
Soraya is a three-syllable name pronounced SOH-RAY-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Soraya?
Soraya pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Persian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.