Soraia is a Portuguese variant of Soraya, ultimately derived from Persian via Arabic. The name traces its roots to the Arabic word Thurayya, meaning "the Pleiades" — a star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Etymology The name's journey begins with the Arabic Thurayya (ثريا), directly referring to the Pleiades star cluster. This entered Persian as Soraya, and later spread to other languages. In Portuguese, the form Soraia developed, likely through borrowings from Spanish or Arabic via the Iberian Peninsula. The Wiktionary confirms a direct borrowing from Arabic, with the straightforward etymology: from Arabic ثُرَيَّا (ṯurayyā). The Portuguese pronunciation is typically separated into three syllables: So-rai-a. Historical Context The name gained popularity in Europe due to the fame of Soraya Esfandiary (1932–2001), the second wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. After her divorce, she became a European socialite and international style icon, boosting the name's appeal across the continent, includin in Portugal, where the variant Soraia emerged. Related Forms Other variants exist in various languages: Suraya in Malay Surayya in Arabic Thuraya in Arabic Süreyya in Turkish Cultural Significance As a name meaning "the Pleiades," Soraia evokes celestial beauty and light. The Pleiades have been significant in many cultures, often associated with seven sisters from Greek mythology. The name thus carries connotations of brightness, femininity, and wonder. Meaning: "the Pleiades" (star cluster) Origin: Portuguese variant of Soraya, from Arabic/Persian Thurayya Type: Female given name Usage regions: Contemporary Portugal, possibly other Lusophone countries