Soraya is a name that has been passed down through generations and has a rich history behind it. The name Soraya is of Persian origin and means “Pleiades constellation.” It is derived from the Arabic name Thurayya, which refers to a group of stars in the constellation Taurus. The name has become popular in the Western world, thanks to the one-time empress of Iran, who settled in Europe, primarily in France.
The name Soraya has a beautiful and unique meaning that is closely tied to the stars. In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were seven sisters who were transformed into stars and placed in the sky. The name Soraya is a perfect fit for a child who is destined to shine brightly and make a positive impact on the world. It is a name that is both elegant and strong, and it has a timeless quality that will never go out of style.
If you are considering the name Soraya for your child, it is important to understand its history and meaning. This name is a wonderful choice for parents who want to give their child a name that is both meaningful and beautiful. With its ties to the stars and its rich Persian history, the name Soraya is a perfect choice for a child who is destined for greatness.
Origins of the Name Soraya
The name Soraya has roots in both Persian and Arabic cultures.
Persian and Arabic Roots
The name Soraya is derived from the Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster, Thurayya (Arabic: ثريّة). It is also a Persian name that has gained popularity in the Western world due to its association with Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, the second wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, who became a European socialite.
Meaning in Persian and Arabic
In Persian, the name Soraya means “princess” or “rich.” It is often given to baby girls in Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries with Persian or Muslim influences. In Arabic, the name means “cluster of pearls” or “riches.”
The name Soraya has been used for centuries and has a rich history in both cultures. It is a popular name for baby girls and is often associated with beauty, wealth, and royalty.
Overall, the name Soraya has a beautiful meaning and a rich cultural heritage that makes it a popular choice for parents around the world.
Popularity of the Name Soraya
Soraya is a beautiful name that has been growing in popularity over the years. It is a popular choice for baby girls in both the US and Europe. Let’s take a closer look at the popularity of the name Soraya.
Popularity in the US
According to Nameberry, Soraya is currently ranked #987 in the US. This is a significant increase from its previous ranking of #1,128 in 2022. BabyCenter user data shows that Soraya has risen to #580 in 2023, a jump of 541 spots from the previous year. This suggests that Soraya is becoming a more popular choice for parents in the US.
Popularity in Europe
Soraya is also a popular choice for baby girls in Europe. According to Nameberry, the name is most commonly used in France, where it is ranked #147. It is also a popular choice in Spain, where it is ranked #274, and in the Netherlands, where it is ranked #297. This suggests that Soraya is a name that is loved by parents across Europe.
In conclusion, Soraya is a beautiful name that is growing in popularity in both the US and Europe. Its popularity is likely due to its unique sound and beautiful meaning. If you’re looking for a name that is both beautiful and meaningful, Soraya is definitely worth considering.
Famous People Named Soraya
Soraya is a name that has been used for centuries, and it has been associated with many famous people from different walks of life. Here are some of the most notable people named Soraya.
Soraya in Music and Film
- Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari: She was the second wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran and became a European socialite. She was also the inspiration for the song “Soraya” by the French singer Renaud.
- Soraya Arnelas: A Spanish singer who rose to fame after participating in the fourth edition of the reality show “Operación Triunfo”. She has released several albums and singles, and her music has been well received by audiences.
- Soraya Montenegro: A fictional character played by actress Itatí Cantoral in the Mexican telenovela “María la del Barrio”. The character has become a popular meme due to her over-the-top acting and memorable catchphrases.
Soraya in Politics
- Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría: A Spanish politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain from 2011 to 2018. She was the first woman to hold this position in the country’s history.
- Soraya Post: A Swedish politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019. She was a member of the Feminist Initiative party and focused on issues related to gender equality and human rights.
Soraya in Royalty
- Princess Soraya: A member of the Pahlavi dynasty and the second wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran. She was known for her beauty and elegance, and her marriage to the Shah was seen as a symbol of modernization and progress in Iran.
- Soraya Tarzi: The wife of King Amanullah Khan of Afghanistan and the Queen of Afghanistan from 1919 to 1929. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and education and played a key role in modernizing the country.
Overall, Soraya is a name that has been associated with many accomplished and influential people throughout history. From music and film to politics and royalty, Sorayas have made their mark in a variety of fields and continue to inspire others to this day.
Variations of the Name Soraya
Soraya is a beautiful name with a rich history and meaning. It is a popular name in many cultures and languages, and as such, it has several variations in spelling and pronunciation. In this section, we will explore the different variations of the name Soraya.
Variations in Different Languages
The name Soraya is of Persian origin, and it means “princess” or “jewel.” It is a popular name in many countries with Persian or Muslim influences, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In these countries, the name is often spelled as Suraya or Thurayya. In Arabic, the name is spelled as Thurayya, which means “the Pleiades,” a group of stars in the constellation Taurus. In Spanish, the name is spelled as Soraia, and it means “princess.”
Variations in Spelling
The name Soraya has several variations in spelling, depending on the language and culture. Some of the most common variations of the name Soraya include:
- Sora: A shortened version of the name Soraya, which means “sky” or “heaven” in Japanese.
- Lia: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “bearer of good news” in Italian.
- Ella: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “beautiful fairy woman” in English.
- Sarai: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “my princess” in Hebrew.
- Suraya: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “princess” in Arabic.
- Sera: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “princess” in Hebrew.
- Soraia: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “princess” in Portuguese.
- Sarah: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “princess” in Hebrew.
- Sari: A variation of the name Soraya, which means “princess” in Hebrew.
In conclusion, the name Soraya has several variations in spelling and pronunciation, depending on the language and culture. Whether you prefer the Persian, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, or English version of the name, Soraya is a beautiful and meaningful name that is sure to make your child stand out.
Cultural References to Soraya
Soraya is a name with rich cultural references that span across different fields, including mythology, literature, and film. Here are some notable mentions of the name:
Soraya in Mythology and Nature
Soraya is derived from the Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster, Thurayya. In Iranian mythology, the Pleiades were known as “Parvin,” which means a group of stars. The cluster was considered to be a symbol of beauty and perfection, and it was believed that it had a positive influence on people’s lives.
Moreover, Soraya is also the name of a gemstone that is found in Iran. The Soraya stone is a type of agate that is known for its unique patterns and colors. It is believed to have healing properties and is often used in jewelry making.
Soraya in Literature and Film
Soraya has been referenced in various works of literature and film. One of the most famous references is Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, the second wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran. Soraya was known for her beauty and elegance, and she became a European socialite after her divorce from the Shah.
In literature, Soraya has been used as a character name in several books, including “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini and “The Wrath and the Dawn” by Renee Ahdieh. In both books, Soraya is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who defies societal norms.
In film, Soraya has been referenced in several movies, including “Soraya” (2003), a Swiss film that tells the story of a young Iranian woman who moves to Switzerland to escape the oppressive regime in Iran. The film explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Overall, Soraya is a name with deep cultural significance that has been referenced in various fields, including mythology, literature, and film. Its association with beauty, elegance, and strength has made it a popular name in the Iranian community and beyond.