Rising since 1988, #4,265 for girls today.
Popularity of Suraya since 1975
Babies named Suraya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 221 |
| 2010s | 255 |
| 2020s | 197 |
Meaning & origin
Suraya is an Arabic name meaning 'the Pleiades,' a star cluster known for its brightness. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1975, and overall it has experienced a steady trajectory of rising use since 1988. Its peak year so far was 2023, and it reached its highest rank of 4,265 in 2025, with an estimated 1 in 48,705 baby girls receiving the name. Suraya has been most favored in New York among top states. The name's celestial association and melodic sound have contributed to its growing appeal among parents seeking distinctive yet culturally meaningful names.
Suraya is the Arabic name for the Pleiades star cluster, derived from the Arabic root s-r-y (to travel at night) or associated with the concept of brightness. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries and is also found in Persian and Urdu traditions. Its rise in the United States since the late 20th century reflects broader interest in Arabic names with celestial meanings.
Where Suraya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sura, Raya, Yaya
Sibling names for Suraya
Names that share Suraya's style, for a brother or sister.
