Turkish Baby Names, Meanings and Origins
Turkish given names draw on Turkic roots, Persian and Arabic influence from centuries of cultural exchange, and modern Turkish-language word names, which is why the tradition includes both very old names and names coined more recently from ordinary words.
Turkish names for girls
- Lale (Turkish, meaning tulip, also shared with Persian)
- Nilufer (Turkish/Arabic/Persian roots, meaning water lily)
- Aelin (Turkish, commonly read as meaning of the moon)
Turkish names for boys
- Tarkan (a well known Turkish given name, commonly used and popularized further by the singer of the same name)
- Kaan (Turkish, commonly read as meaning ruler or khan)
Quick facts
| Primary language | Turkish, with Persian and Arabic influence |
| Common meaning themes | flowers, the moon, rulership |
| Note | Lale and Nilufer are both flower names shared across Turkish and Persian naming traditions due to centuries of cultural exchange |
Frequently asked questions
Are Turkish names related to Persian and Arabic names?
Many are, due to centuries of shared history and cultural exchange, though modern Turkish also includes names built from purely Turkish-language words.
What does Lale mean?
Lale means tulip, a flower with deep cultural significance in Turkish history, including its own historical period known as the Tulip Era.
Related reading
Related culture cluster: Persian names.