226 Turkish Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Exquisite names for your princess from the land of the magical crescent moon.

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• Aug 25, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

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.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Sumeyye	Girl	She who is high above others
Tansu	Unisex	Water of the dawn
Tayan	Unisex	Helpful; Supportive
Taygan	Unisex	Strong; Brave; Spirited
Terik	Unisex	Acrobat
Tey	Unisex	Strong; Determined; Tenacious
Tijen	Unisex	Crown made of flowers
Toulin	Girl	A circular band of light around moon
Tuana	Girl	Gifted, understanding, compassionate
Tubba	Girl	Pure and diligent human being; a tree from heaven

Turhan	Unisex	Strong ruler; Leader
Turk	Unisex	Turkish; Turkic
Umut	Unisex	Hope or optimism
Vedat	Unisex	The divine word
Yalin	Unisex	Clear; Straightforward; Uncomplicated
Yanik	Unisex	He who is fire
Yazi	Unisex	Summer; Hot; Bright
Yeliz	Unisex	Cheerful or happiness
Yeni	Unisex	New; Fresh; Recent
Yildiz	Girl	Star

Zambak	Girl	Lily
Zekai	Unisex	Pure or clear-minded
Zel	Girl	Private or special
Zey	Unisex	Adorned; Decorated
Zlem	Girl	Longing, yearning
Zuleyha	Girl	Radiant beauty

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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.

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.

Personal Names in Modern Turkey;
https://arxiv.org/abs/1801.00049
A Guide To Names and Naming Practices;
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
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/
BIRTH RITUALS IN ISTANBUL DURING THE OTTOMAN PERIOD
https://istanbultarihi.ist/501-birth-rituals-in-istanbul-during-the-ottoman-period

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.