MallowbyNames

Saraya

suh-RYE-uh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Sarai, meaning 'princess' in Hebrew, or coined from Arabic saraya meaning 'palaces'.

2025 rank (girls)
#1,818
Babies named in 2025
110
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 14,612 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1985

Rising since 1985, #1,818 for girls today.

Popularity of Saraya since 1974

Babies named Saraya per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3773110198020002020Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s9
1980s67
1990s269
2000s411
2010s537
2020s459

Meaning & origin

Saraya is a name that entered the U.S. naming pool in 1974 and has been climbing ever since, particularly gaining momentum after 1985. By 2025 it reached its peak rank of 1818, with approximately 1 in 14,612 newborn girls receiving the name. Its top states of adoption include Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina, suggesting a broad but not regionally concentrated appeal. The name's etymology is uncertain, likely a modern blend or adaptation from Hebrew or Arabic roots. This ambiguity adds to its international charm, making it suitable for families seeking a name that feels both contemporary and cross-cultural.

Saraya first appeared in U.S. records in 1974 and has risen steadily since the 1980s. It may be a modern coinage influenced by names like Sarah and Maya, or a borrowing of the Arabic word for 'palaces' (singular saray). Some connect it to the Hebrew name Sarai, the biblical name of Sarah before God renamed her, meaning 'princess'.

Where Saraya is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Sari, Raya, Aya

Variants: Sarayah, Seraya

Sibling names for Saraya

Names that share Saraya's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maya, Zara, Layla, Sienna, Ayla, Janaya, Dereona

Brothers: Zayn, Elias, Noah, Malik, Kai

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Saraya, our favorite little girl.

S is for Saraya…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Saraya's letter becomes Saraya's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Saraya's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Saraya mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It may be a variant of Sarai, meaning 'princess' in Hebrew, or derived from the Arabic word saraya, meaning 'palaces'.
How popular is the name Saraya?
In 2025, Saraya ranked 1818th in the U.S., with about 1 in 14,612 baby girls given the name, a notable rise from its first recorded use in 1974.
Is Saraya a boy or girl name?
Saraya is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.