Bollywood stars Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra have revealed the name of their daughter, Saraayah Malhotra, born in July 2025, sparking considerable buzz and interest surrounding its meaning and origin. The couple announced the name on Instagram, accompanied by a heartwarming picture of them cradling their baby's feet. Their post read, "From our prayers, to our arms 🙏🏻 our divine blessing, our princess, Saraayah Malhotra".
The name Saraayah is generating interest due to its uniqueness and perceived depth. The name is thought to blend elements from Arabic, Sanskrit, and Hebrew origins, carrying connotations of "purity, nobility, and divine light". Some interpret Saraayah as "God's Princess," derived from the Hebrew name Sarah, signifying "princess". It is also seen as a combination of Sidharth and Kiara's names.
In Arabic, ‘saraya’ means ‘palace’ or ‘noble dwelling,’ associating the name with elegance and nobility. The suffix '-yah' is thought to represent a connection to the divine in Hebrew naming traditions. Some believe the name carries a sense of grace, change, and a divine connection. It may also be linked to Seraiah, meaning "Yahweh is ruler". In Japanese, the name is sometimes associated with "change".
Variations of the name, such as Saraya, Saraiah, Soraya, and Saraiya, share a similar lyrical quality while offering slight differences in presentation. Soraya, for example, has Persian roots and also means "princess" or "gem".
The name Saraayah is considered a modern and melodic choice, fitting current baby-naming trends that favor lyrical, vowel-rich names with spiritual or nature-inspired meanings. Its distinctive yet easy-to-pronounce nature, combined with the popularity of Kiara and Sidharth, may lead to its increased use.
Sidharth Malhotra shared how his life has changed since welcoming his daughter, noting the adjustments to his schedule and sleeping patterns. The couple has also requested privacy as they embrace parenthood. Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra's love story began in the limelight, blossoming while filming "Shershaah". They married on February 7, 2023, in an intimate ceremony in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. They announced their pregnancy in March 2025.
