Origin
Arabic and Persian origins; derived from the Arabic name 'Suhail' meaning 'gentle' or 'beautiful'. In Persian contexts, it is associated with the concept of 'brightness' or 'radiance'. The name is used by Muslim communities globally, including those in Australia with Middle Eastern heritage.
Meaning
‘Gentle’, ‘beautiful’, or ‘radiant’ in local contexts, often connoting a serene and luminous personality in Australian cultural references. It embodies qualities of kindness and brightness.
Pronunciation
/ˈsoʊ hə/ (SOH-hah) — stress on the first syllable, with a soft ‘h’ sound in the second syllable typical of Australian pronunciation conventions, with clear enunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Sohail (original Arabic form)
- Suhail (alternative transliteration)
- Sohah (less common variant)
Nicknames
- Sohae
- Sohsi
Name Days
- 8 September (Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary) in some Christian calendars, celebrated by Catholic and Orthodox communities in Australia.
- Māori celebration of Matariki (Pleiades star cluster), marking the Māori New Year, around late June or early July, observed with indigenous cultural ceremonies.
- Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad's birthday) in Muslim communities, date varies based on lunar calendar, observed by Australian Muslim communities.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with soha:
- Lina and Soha (for sibling or double name pairings)
- Amira and Soha (Middle Eastern-inspired names)
- Sofia and Soha (internationally popular names)
Fun Facts
- Soha is a popular name among Middle Eastern communities in Australia, particularly within Lebanese and Egyptian diaspora groups.
- The name 'Soha' appears occasionally in Australian literature and media in stories depicting multicultural Australian families.
- In Australian popular culture, 'Soha' is recognised as a name embodying elegance and gentle strength.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name soha:
- Gentle
- Radiant
- Kind-hearted
- Elegant
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a smooth, flowing visual appeal, with balanced syllables and a soft consonant-vowel combination that enhances its elegant aesthetic in written form.
Geographical Distribution
Most prevalent in metropolitan areas with significant Middle Eastern and North African communities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Less common in rural or predominantly Anglo-Australian regions.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9, associated with humanitarianism, idealism, and a compassionate personality, fitting the cultural connotations of the name in Australian society.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, though general spiritual qualities align with gentle and luminous traits connected to the name’s meaning overnight glow or radiance.
Historical Context
While not historically prominent in traditional Australian history, the name Soha has gained cultural significance in the context of Australia's multicultural and diasporic communities. It is often associated with modern narratives of cultural identity and integration.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, with similar phonetic pronunciations in Arabic, Persian, and Australian English. Variants exist based on transliteration preferences.
Famous People Named soha
- Soha Ali Khan (Indian actress and author) — internationally recognized, often referenced in multicultural Australian media.
- Soha El Sayed (Egyptian-Australian community leader) — known for promoting cultural unity and women's rights.
- Soha Maghzal (Australian artist with Middle Eastern origins) — noted for her vibrant visual arts.
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |