In an interview with series producer Koji Igarashi, found within the Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow's official Japanese strategy guide, he was asked about the character's name Soma Cruz. He said that he wanted a name which would translate well for international players, and that "Cruz" was chosen as Penelope Cruz had just visited Japan, while the name also had associations with the word "Cross". Soma was taken from the name of the Indian ritual drink "soma", while it is also the name of director Murakami's son.

Aria of Sorrow direct Junishi Murakami said this was just a coincidence however, as the kanji of both names differs. When he first saw the name, he disagreed with the idea, but Igarashi simply couldn't think of anything else.