Soraya is a name that is relatively popular in several countries, particularly those with Persian or Arabic influences. It has been used by families in Iran, Afghanistan, and other regions.

Soraya was the name of the last Empress of Iran, Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari. She was married to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi from 1951 to 1958. Soraya was known for her beauty and grace, and her marriage to the Shah ended in divorce. The name Soraya gained attention in the Western world when the Mexican actress Soraya Montenegro became a popular character in the telenovela "María la del Barrio." The character was known for her villainous and dramatic behavior, making the name Soraya somewhat associated with strong and powerful personalities in popular culture.

Soraya Tarzi, also known as Queen Soraya, was the Queen Consort of Afghanistan from 1919 to 1929. She was a prominent figure in advocating for women's rights, education, and social reforms during her husband's reign, King Amanullah Khan. Soraya Saenz de Santamaria is a Spanish lawyer and politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain from 2011 to 2018. She played a significant role in Spanish politics and was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister in the country.