Soraya is a beautiful and unique name of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "sar," which means "head" or "leader." Thus, Soraya translates to "princess" or "royal head."
The name gained popularity due to its use in several Middle Eastern royal families. One notable figure was Princess Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, who married the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1951. Despite their eventual divorce, she remained a popular figure and contributed to the spread of her name's usage.
In literature, Soraya appears as a character in the novel "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. However, it is important to note that this novel does not significantly impact the overall popularity or perception of the name Soraya.
Overall, Soraya is an elegant and distinctive name with a rich historical background, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Soraya experienced significant growth in popularity over the years, with a marked increase starting around the late 1990s and reaching its peak between 2006 to 2007, with over 236 births recorded each year during these periods. However, there has been some fluctuation since then, with numbers ranging from approximately 170 to 262 births annually up until 2023. Overall, the name Soraya has been chosen for 6205 babies in total since 1955.