226 Turkish Baby Girl Names With Meanings

turkish-baby-girl-names-with-meanings

Naming children holds immense historical and cultural significance in Turkey. Since various civilizations ruled the place in the ancient and medieval periods, they have left a lasting mark on how Turkish girl names have evolved. In this part of the world, naming customs have grown over time, showcasing the rich heritage and historical influences.

This land of Ottomans has a rich and wide-ranging naming tradition. It was first influenced by the Anatolians way back in the Bronze Age. Traditional girl names in Turkey have deep symbolism. They emphasize beauty, spirituality, and virtues. For example, a beautiful girl name Ayse implies 'she who is alive,' while Zeynep means 'precious.' Yet another exquisite girl's name Nazli means 'delicate.' These names have captured the imagination of most parents.

Turkish personal names usually have their origins in the Arabic language. This is followed by Turkish and Persian. Among females, foreign-origin names like Olga and Khaled, pastoral names like Yagmur, meaning rain, and Deniz meaning sea, and names inspired by fruits and plants like Filiz and Menekse are quite popular (1).

A distinct element of Turkish naming customs is the honorific titles, which highlight their good social standing and respect in Turkish society. For example, some common titles for girls are Hanim, which means lady, and Hanife (2).

Islam's presence in Turkey has always been consistent (3). So, it is common to find many Islamic-origin names for girls. Such names often symbolize the daughter of the prophet Muhammad, Fatima or Aisha, the prophet's wife. They bring to the fore the religious heritage of the land. Turkish girl names thus depict an amalgamation of historical and traditional influences inspired by various cultures and carrying profound meanings. Although modern naming trends are starting to take root here, traditional naming practice is still a big part of society.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image
Azra
Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who is a virgin
heart image
Defne
Baby Girl Sign Girl A laurel tree; Tall and majestic
heart image
Ecrin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Reward; Gift of God
heart image
Elif
Baby Girl Sign Girl One with a slender body; Original
heart image
Hiranur
Baby Girl Sign Girl Light of the diamond
heart image
Miray
Baby Girl Sign Girl Glowing like a moon
heart image
Nehir
Baby Girl Sign Girl River
heart image
Zehra
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bright, luminous
heart image
Zeynep
Baby Girl Sign Girl Precious gem
heart image
Adalaya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful; Noble; Strong
heart image
Adalya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my refuge
heart image
Adlin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Just; Fair
heart image
Aergul
Baby Girl Sign Girl The bunch of blooming roses
heart image
Afet
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of bewitching beauty; Attractive; Lovable
heart image
Ahu
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bright and beautiful
heart image
Aishan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Loving; Life-giving
heart image
Aiyla
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moonlight; Moon halo; Strong fighter; Beautiful girl
heart image
Akara
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Chief deity; One who loves change and challenges
heart image
Akasma
Baby Girl Sign Girl White climbing rose
heart image
Akay
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Near a full moon; Illuminating light of full moon; Full moon
heart image
Alany
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Noble
heart image
Alanya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright; Beautiful; Captivating
heart image
Alara
Baby Girl Sign Girl Mythological Aquatic Fairy; One who makes things beautiful; Water fairy
heart image
Alev
Baby Girl Sign Girl Flame; Brightness; Light
heart image
Antalya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Attic; Place where Attalus lives
heart image
Arat
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Holy; Clean; Pure
heart image
Aray
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful; Radiant; Divine
heart image
Asena
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength; Royalty; Wolf
heart image
Asli
Baby Girl Sign Girl Someone who is genuine and real
heart image
Aslihan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Noble, genuine, leader
heart image
Atiye
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Gift of God
heart image
Ayce
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ambitious; Intelligent; Charismatic
heart image
Ayen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Eye; To see
heart image
Aykiz
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Noble, resolute, determined
heart image
Ayla
Baby Girl Sign Girl Oak treea; Halo
heart image
Aylani
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex High chief; Heavenly rise
heart image
Ayleen
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bright; Shining light
heart image
Ayli
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ascending; Rising
heart image
Aylin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon halo; The one that belongs to the moon
heart image
Ayline
Baby Girl Sign Girl Halo of moonlight
heart image
Aymelek
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon angel
heart image
Aynur
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Enlightened; Bright light
heart image
Ayperi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon fairy
heart image
Aysenur
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Clear moonlight
heart image
Aysu
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful moon
heart image
Aysun
Baby Girl Sign Girl A person whose face is as beautiful as moon; As Beautiful as the Moon
heart image
Ayten
Baby Girl Sign Girl Skin shiny like a Moon; Friend of people
heart image
Ayvah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Voice; Sound
heart image
Ayvan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Powerful
heart image
Ayzel
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unique; Exotic
heart image
Azani
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Youth
heart image
Banou
Baby Girl Sign Girl Female; Lady; Princess
heart image
Berfin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Snow
heart image
Bey
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A Turkish title for chieftains
heart image
Beyza
Baby Girl Sign Girl White; Pure
heart image
Bilge
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wisdom; knowledge; intelligence; depth
heart image
Bugra
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength and leadership
heart image
Burcu
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sweet-smelling woman
heart image
Buse
Baby Girl Sign Girl Hawk; Falcon
heart image
Caria
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who flows like water
heart image
Caylan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Slender
heart image
Cemre
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fire, spark
heart image
Ceyda
Baby Girl Sign Girl A beautiful woman
heart image
Ceylan
Baby Girl Sign Girl An Antelope
heart image
Cihan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The universe; The world
heart image
Damla
Baby Girl Sign Girl A drop
heart image
Deniz
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea of happiness
heart image
Derin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Deep, profound, insightful
heart image
Derya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea or ocean
heart image
Devran
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fate, Destiny; Fortune
heart image
Dicle
Baby Girl Sign Girl A wonderful river; life providing
heart image
Dilek
Baby Girl Sign Girl Wish; Desire
heart image
Doga
Baby Girl Sign Girl Nature; In love with nature and God
heart image
Ece
Baby Girl Sign Girl A popular person like a beautiful queen; An attractive one
heart image
Ekim
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex October
heart image
Ekin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, brave, independence
heart image
Elaida
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Graceful; Extraordinary
heart image
Elanur
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright light; Sunshine
heart image
Elhan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful; Handsome; With good looks
heart image
Elnara
Baby Girl Sign Girl People; Country; Nation
heart image
Elvan
Baby Girl Sign Girl Colours
heart image
Emel
Baby Girl Sign Girl Desire
heart image
Emine
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is fearless and courageous.
heart image
Emira
Baby Girl Sign Girl Someone who is worhty or merit; A princess
heart image
Emiri
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who tries to excel; A royal person
heart image
Emrey
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Commander; Ruler; Ambitious
heart image
Emri
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Eloquent; Talkative
heart image
Enfleda
Baby Girl Sign Girl The mother of a great saint
heart image
Erdem
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Virtuous, honorable, trustworthy
heart image
Erdi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brave and righteous
heart image
Erim
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Man
heart image
Esana
Baby Girl Sign Girl To safeguard
heart image
Esila
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The one who is created; Newly born
heart image
Esmeray
Baby Girl Sign Girl Dark moon
heart image
Esra
Baby Girl Sign Girl Travel at night
heart image
Evren
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Universe; Cosmos
heart image
Feray
Baby Girl Sign Girl The Moon's radiance
heart image
Feride
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful, beloved
heart image
Filiz
Baby Girl Sign Girl To spring up and develop
heart image
Funda
Baby Girl Sign Girl The general condition of the body and mind
1 2 3

Turkey has a rich and divine history that has flowed into its diverse and unique baby names. From the pure Azra to the special Zel, these names cover a wide range of meanings and convey divine and empowering messages. Some of the most commonly used names may be based on nature, while others describe characteristics like beauty and personality. With this list of Turkish girl names, you now have a beautiful collection of enchanting and spiritual names for your princess.

Infographic: Cute Turkish Baby Girl Names

Turkish baby girl names have a variety of influences from the times of the Anatolian and Ottoman empires. These multiple influences reflect in the baby names and combine to form beautiful names for your little one. If you want to explore some popular Turkish baby girl names, this infographic will guide you.

Some thing wrong with infographic shortcode. please verify shortcode syntax

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of baby names in Turkish culture?

In Turkish culture, the act of naming a child was a reflection of the family's values. In addition to bestowing an Islamic name upon the baby, it was common for families to name their child after an esteemed family elder. Furthermore, it was widely practiced to give the child a name that represented the local and ethnic cultures or a name associated with a revered person or place in society. Also, names indicating the time of the child's birth were prevalent (4).

2. Are any traditional or historical Turkish baby girl names still popular today?

Several traditional and historical Turkish baby girl names are still popular today. Some examples include Aergul, meaning 'a bunch of blooming roses,' Aylin, meaning 'moon halo,' Beyza, meaning 'white' or 'fair,' Eylül, representing 'September,' and Zeynep, meaning 'precious gem.' These names are unique, pretty, and have cultural significance in Turkey.

3. Are there any Turkish baby girl names that have religious or spiritual meanings?

Within Turkish baby girl names, there are meaningful options for those seeking religious or spiritual connections. Vesile signifies being 'close to God,' Sibeli represents a 'prophetess' or 'oracle,' Irmak indicates 'from the river,' symbolizing birth and life, Kadri denotes 'pure,' and Zeynep means 'precious gem' believed to possess healing properties.

4. What are some popular modern Turkish baby girl names?

Some popular modern Turkish baby girl names include Azra, which is a feminine version of the Arabic name Isra, meaning 'night journey,' Bahar, meaning 'season of spring,' and Gamze, meaning 'the dimple on the cheek when a person smiles.' These names are modern and cute and reflect Turkish and Arabic influences.

5. Do Turkish baby girl names have any gender-specific meanings or connotations?

Turkish baby girl names often have gender-specific meanings and feminine connotations. For example, Burcu means 'scent' or 'fragrance,' Cemre signifies the end of winter and means 'burning ember,' Damla means 'drop of water' or 'dewdrop,' Dilara means 'beloved,' and Işıl has various meanings such as 'ablaze,' 'sparkling,' 'brilliant,' and 'bright.'

6. What are some Turkish baby girl names inspired by nature or the environment?

There are several Turkish baby girl names inspired by nature or the environment. Bahar means 'the season of spring,' Basak translates to 'ear of wheat,' and Çağla represents 'flowing water, timeless or filled with life and energy.'

7. How do Turkish baby girl names vary by region or geographic location?

Turkish baby girl names differ across regions due to various factors. Eastern provinces commonly use names like Bayram, Bahar, Bulut, and Kurban, while Western provinces prefer 'modern' names like Aytun, Belda, and Kayla. Specific names associated with the East include Amed, Azad, Baran, Havin, and Helin. Religious families often have an imam read the baby's name to promote Islamic values and societal goodness.

8. Are there any traditional ceremonies or customs associated with naming a baby girl in Turkey?

In Turkey, the arrival of a newborn girl was joyously marked by diverse traditions and rituals. Following the birth, the baby was purified with salt, while customs like burying the umbilical cord and sharing sweets were observed. The naming ceremony included reciting the adhan [call to prayer] in the baby's ears and selecting a name encompassing family values, and embracing local or ethnic heritage (4).

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Personal Names in Modern Turkey;
    https://arxiv.org/abs/1801.00049
  2. A Guide To Names and Naming Practices;
    https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
  3. Islam – The Straight Path: Islam Interpreted by Muslims;
    https://www.religion-online.org/book-chapter/chapter-7-islamic-culture-in-turkish-areas-by-hasan-basri-antay/
  4. BIRTH RITUALS IN ISTANBUL DURING THE OTTOMAN PERIOD
    https://istanbultarihi.ist/501-birth-rituals-in-istanbul-during-the-ottoman-period
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.

Read full bio of Akshay Nair
Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

Read full bio of Kavita Kankani