Suraiya

Meaning & origin

Suraiya is a name of Arabic origin that has seen modest but stable use in the United States since it first appeared in records in 2004. With a ranking of 9,457 in 2025, it remains a rare choice, given to roughly 1 in every 160,727 baby girls. Its peak popularity came in 2010, when it achieved its highest frequency, though it has since remained at a steady, low level. The name's celestial meaning, referencing the Pleiades star cluster, gives it a lyrical quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name. While it has not cracked the top states in the U.S., it enjoys broader recognition in Arabic-speaking and South Asian communities, partly due to the fame of Indian actress Suraiya (1929-2004), a star of Hindi cinema. For families drawn to names with a poetic, astral resonance, Suraiya offers a rare but evocative choice.

Suraiya (also spelled Thurayya) is an Arabic name derived from the word for the Pleiades star cluster. It has been used across the Muslim world for centuries, often evoking celestial beauty and brilliance. In South Asia, the name gained popularity through 20th-century film actresses and literary characters.