"princess, noblewoman"
Origin: Hebrew via Persian
Language: Persian
Saroya
Girl Name
#3,647 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A Persian royal name meaning princess among the stars
Persian
Jewish
American
Elegant
Sophisticated
Royal
Unique
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"Pleiades star cluster"
Origin: Persian/Arabic
Language: Arabic
The Story of Saroya
Saroya is a variant of Soraya (also spelled Sorayya or Thurayya), a Persian name that also connects to the Hebrew Sarai/Sarah. In Persian, Thurayya refers to the Pleiades star cluster, giving the name a celestial meaning. In its Sarah-derived form, it means 'princess' or 'noblewoman' from the Hebrew root sar (prince, noble). The name has been beloved across Persian, Arabic, and Jewish cultures for millennia.
Soraya gained international fame through Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari (Princess Soraya), the second wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, whose romantic tragedy — divorced because she could not produce an heir — captivated the world in the 1950s. The variant Saroya offers a softer, more Americanized pronunciation.
Princess Soraya of Iran became one of the 20th century's great romantic figures, called 'the princess with the sad eyes.' Her story inspired films, novels, and songs. In Iranian culture, the name carries an aristocratic elegance and poignant beauty.
Fun Facts
- Princess Soraya of Iran was so internationally beloved that her 1958 divorce was front-page news worldwide
- Thurayya (the Pleiades) was considered a lucky star cluster in ancient Persian astrology
- The name is used across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Arab countries in various spellings
Saroya in Other Languages
Arabic
ثريا
French
Soraya
Hebrew
שָׂרָיָה
Spanish
Soraya
Persian/Farsi
ثریا (Thurayya)
Famous People Named Saroya
S
Soraya (singer)
Musician
1969
Colombian-American singer known as 'the Voice of Passion,' who passed away from breast cancer in 2006
S
Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari
Royalty
1932
Princess Soraya, second wife of Shah of Iran and one of the most glamorous royal figures of the 20th century
S
Soraya Tariq Fictional
Other
Protagonist in several Pakistani romance novels representing the modern South Asian woman navigating tradition and moder...
Protagonist in several Pakistani romance novels representing the modern South Asian woman navigating tradition and modernity
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,647
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- Persian Jewish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Sari
Roya
Pairs Well With
Saroya Rose
Saroya Jade
Saroya Marie
Saroya Leila
Saroya Grace
Saroya Elise
Saroya Noor
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Saroya
What does the name Saroya mean?
"princess, noblewoman" (from Hebrew via Persian). "Pleiades star cluster" (from Persian/Arabic). Saroya is a variant of Soraya (also spelled Sorayya or Thurayya), a Persian name that also connects to the Hebrew Sarai/Sarah. In Persian, Thurayya refers to the Pleiades star cluster, giving the name a celestial meaning. In its Sarah-derived form, it means 'princess' or 'noblewoman' from the Hebrew root sar (prince, noble). The name has been beloved across Persian, Arabic, and Jewish cultures for millennia.
What is the origin of the name Saroya?
Saroya has Hebrew via Persian, Persian/Arabic, Persian, Jewish, and American origins. In Hebrew via Persian, it means "princess, noblewoman". In Persian/Arabic, it means "Pleiades star cluster".
Is Saroya a boy or girl name?
Saroya is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Saroya?
Saroya is currently ranked #3647 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Saroya?
Common nicknames for Saroya include Sari and Roya.
What are good middle names for Saroya?
Popular middle name pairings include Saroya Rose, Saroya Jade, Saroya Marie, Saroya Leila, Saroya Grace, Saroya Elise, and Saroya Noor.
What are good sibling names for Saroya?
Names that pair well with Saroya as siblings include Roya, Shirin, Yasmin, Daria, Cyrus, Darius, and Kamran.
How many syllables does Saroya have?
Saroya has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Saroya a common or rare name?
Saroya is an uncommon name, ranked #3647 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Saroya
Saroya is a girl name with Persian, Jewish, and American origins . The name means "princess, noblewoman" in Hebrew via Persian .
Saroya is currently ranked #3,647 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Saroya has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Saroya include Sari and Roya. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.