Soraya - how would you pronounce?

JackieA2013

The name Soraya has recently become my front-runner.  (DH and I haven't compared lists yet; we still have plenty of time.)  But, I think this is a name unfamiliar to most folks.  If you saw it for the first time, would your first attempt at pronunciation be:

1.) So-RI-yah

or

2.) So-RAY-ya

or

3.) something else?

Thanks!

ps. the first is the intended pronunciation.

Dr.Loretta

1. Probably because there's a reporter with that name on NPR

NataliasMOM0214

One of our good friends just named their daughter, Soraya...it's NMS, but I can see why people are drawn to it...

They pronounce it like So-RI-yah...I think that is how most would, as well:)

 GL!

JackieA2013

Dr.Loretta:

1. Probably because there's a reporter with that name on NPR

Yes, I'm an "All Things Considered" daily listener.

NL105

Sorry if I offend you, but when I first saw this name it made me think of the skin disease, Psoriasis (pronunced like So-ri-yah-sis). NMS in the least. However in regards to pronouncing the name itself, I can see it going both ways- but like I said, I see it as the first option.

brooksidebride

One of my client's is named this and it's not pronounced either way you have it.  It has "RYE" (like rye bread) in the middle.

Suh-rye-uh.

Dr.Loretta

brooksidebride:

One of my client's is named this and it's not pronounced either way you have it.  It has "RYE" (like rye bread) in the middle.

Suh-rye-uh.

That's Option 1

JackieA2013

brooksidebride:

One of my client's is named this and it's not pronounced either way you have it.  It has "RYE" (like rye bread) in the middle.

Suh-rye-uh.

Yes, thanks.  The "RYE" was what I was attempting to phonically spell out with "RI".

 I like your daughter's name.  Joanna is on my list as well, to honor my mom JoAnn, which is similar to Johanna.

JackieA2013

NL105:

Sorry if I offend you, but when I first saw this name it made me think of the skin disease, Psoriasis (pronunced like So-ri-yah-sis). NMS in the least. However in regards to pronouncing the name itself, I can see it going both ways- but like I said, I see it as the first option.

No, not offended.  I definitely hadn't thought about that connection, but it's a valid one.  I could be setting DD up for some mean teasing.  Thanks!

JayJay1212

NL105:

Sorry if I offend you, but when I first saw this name it made me think of the skin disease, Psoriasis pronunced like Soriyahsis. NMS in the least. However in regards to pronouncing the name itself, I can see it going both ways but like I said, I see it as the first option.

This was my exact thought.

brooksidebride

Dr.Loretta:

brooksidebride:

One of my client's is named this and it's not pronounced either way you have it.  It has "RYE" (like rye bread) in the middle.

Suh-rye-uh.

That's Option 1

Yah, you're right... as far as the RI/RYE middle syllable goes. So not sure why I pointed that out.  But the "So" doesn't seem right. I know the first syllable as Suh.

Court0026

1

snuggle+monkey

I work with a Soraya, and she pronounces it Suh-roy-uh.

macchiatto

I would assume So-RY-uh.

And I agree; I can't help but hear "psoriasis" when I hear this name, since the pronunciation is so similar minus that final syllable.

CarKar0615

1.

mandy_marie

#1  I think it's very pretty... we considered using it briefly, too

erzsi1

I say it like sore eye uh. All I hear is 'sore eyes'

starshineamator

I would have said it right the first time.  

strawberrytree

Option 1. I used to work in a school with many Middle Eastern students and this was a popular name. Psoriasis never occurred to me, tbh. I really like it!

mouse10031978

I know two people who pronounce it like #1. 

lady dixneuf

JackieA2013:

Dr.Loretta:

1. Probably because there's a reporter with that name on NPR

Yes, I'm an "All Things Considered" daily listener.

yep that's how I know it! 

Ms. Lisi

So-RYE-ah.  But it makes me think of Psoriasis. 

msmerymac

Dr.Loretta:

1. Probably because there's a reporter with that name on NPR

 

Soraya Sarhadi-Nelson (?) Yup! That's what I thought of as well!

 

It's a pretty name. 

Keri Marie

to rhyme with Mariah.

LoniLBD

I posted this as a MN spelled Sarai/Sariah and it received no love. I like the name, but not spelled Soraya.

LaineyPaney

1.

RedInLove

#1

notkateanymore

macchiatto:

I would assume So-RY-uh.

And I agree; I can't help but hear "psoriasis" when I hear this name, since the pronunciation is so similar minus that final syllable.

I agree.