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Origin and meaning of the name Sorayah

What is the origin of the name Sorayah?

Soraya is a female given name of Persian origin, derived from the Arabic Sorayah, which means "princess" or "lady". The name gained popularity in Europe after Princess Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari of Iran, who was married to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and held the title of Empress of Iran from 1951 until her divorce in 1958.

Learn more about the origin of the name Sorayah

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Sorayah

The name Sorayah is a variant of Sarah, which has roots in both Hebrew and Arabic languages, dating back to biblical times. In Hebrew, Sarah means "lady" or "wife," while in Arabic, it translates to "noblewoman." The name Sorayah is believed to be derived from the Persian language, where it is spelled سوریه (Surayya) and means "from Syria." This variant of Sarah has gained popularity in various Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures due to its beautiful sound and rich history.

Character traits associated with the name Sorayah

Sorayah is often associated with characteristics such as intelligence, determination, and compassion. This name, of Persian origin, is believed to be derived from the word 'Zurayk', meaning lark or nightingale, symbolizing freedom and elegance. People named Sorayah are typically creative, independent thinkers who appreciate beauty and art. They possess strong leadership qualities, demonstrating a firm resolve and courage in pursuing their goals. Their empathetic nature makes them excellent listeners and nurturers, fostering deep connections with others. However, Sorayah individuals may also struggle with indecisiveness and overthinking at times due to their analytical minds. Overall, they are driven individuals who value intellectual growth, personal expression, and meaningful relationships.

Popularity of the name Sorayah

The name Soraya is of Persian origin and has gained notable popularity globally, particularly among Iranians and those with Persian heritage. In Iran, it ranks as one of the most common female names due to its association with historical figures like Empress Farah Diba Pahlavi. Outside of Iran, the name has also been used in various countries, including the United States, where it is less frequent but still recognized. The name Soraya is a variant of Zoraida or Zorah, and shares similarities with other names such as Suzanne and Sophia. It carries a strong and exotic connotation, which adds to its appeal for many parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children.

Famous people with the name Sorayah

Soraya is a name that has been borne by several prominent individuals across various fields. Notable among them is Soraya Darabi, an Iranian-American entrepreneur and digital strategist who co-founded Foodspotting, a popular food discovery app, and was named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Media. Another well-known figure with the name is Soraya Kohlmann, a German actress known for her roles in films such as "Tatort" and "Schimanski." In music, there is Soraya Arnelas, a Spanish singer who rose to fame after winning the sixth season of the reality TV show Operación Triunfo. Lastly, Soraya Paladin, an Italian soprano opera singer, gained recognition for her performances at major international opera houses. These examples illustrate the diverse achievements and talents associated with the name Soraya.

Variations of the name Sorayah

Soraya is a female given name of Persian origin, which means "princess" or "my soul." The name has several variations in different cultures and languages:

1. Sophia (Greek): A common variant with a similar meaning, though not an exact translation of Soraya.
2. Sarah (Hebrew): An alternative form that shares the same origin, as it is derived from the Hebrew word for "princess."
3. Soraia (Portuguese): This variation is phonetically close to Soraya and retains its original meaning in Portuguese.
4. Suzanne (Aramaic/Hebrew): Another variant with a similar etymology, as it comes from the Hebrew name Shoshana, which means "lily" but shares the same root as Soraya.
5. Shirin (Persian): A Persian name that is phonetically close to Soraya and also means "princess" or "noble woman."
6. Shirley (Old English): Though not directly related to Soraya, this name does have a similar meaning as it comes from the Old English word "scir-lēah," meaning "bright clearing."
7. Xará (Yoruba): A West African name with a different origin but sharing some phonetic similarity to Soraya, though it means "to be born on Friday" in Yoruba language.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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