299 Captivating Turkish Girl Names For Your Angel

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

Written by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 14, 2024

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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ayla	Girl	Oak tree; Halo; With the moon
Ada	Girl	Noble; First-born girl; Island; Adornment; Ornament;
Aylin	Girl	Moon halo; The one that belongs to the moon
Leyla	Girl	Night; Daughter of the night
Aila	Girl	Noble; Holy; Blessed; Halo; Moonlight; Terebinth tree
Iyla	Girl	Moonlight; Terebinth tree; Earth; Speech; Island
Zora	Girl	Dawn; Aurora; Hornet; Strength
Ayleen	Girl	Bright; Shining light; Halo of the moon
Aylah	Girl	Oaktree; Terebinth tree; Gazelle; Moonlight; Halo
Aida	Girl	Returning; Visitor; Noble; Fire; Moon; Ornament; Happy; Distinguished

Naila	Girl	Attainer; Successful one
Diya	Girl	Radiance; Light; Lamp; Splendor
Aleyna	Girl	To us; Gentle; Soft; Handsome; Little rock
Adina	Girl	Delicate; Noble; Name; Mild; Gentle
Hafsa	Girl	Female lion cub; Little lioness
Alara	Girl	Mythological water fairy; Ruler of all
Ela	Girl	My God is an oath; Hazel; Earth
Aiza	Girl	Living; Rock; Stone; Golden moon; Visitor; Seat of love; Ravine
Ayda	Girl	From the moon; Returner; To bring back
Melek	Girl	Angel

Adah	Girl	Adornment; Ornament; Noble; First-born girl; Island
Elif	Girl	One with a slender body; Shaped like an elif
Zeynep	Girl	Fragrant flowering tree; Beauty; Life of Zeus
Izel	Girl	Unique; Delicate; God contends; A river in Russia
Aayla	Girl	Terebinth tree; Moonlight; Halo; Born of knowledge
Azlynn	Girl	Lion; Vision or dream
Azra	Girl	Virgin; Maiden
Selma	Girl	God's protection; God's helmet; Safe; Beautiful vew; Peace
Aylen	Girl	A clear individual; Happiness; Moon halo
Eldana	Unisex	Country; Society; Wise

Aziza	Girl	Beloved; Powerful; To be cherished
Aysel	Girl	A stream of moon
Esmeray	Girl	Dark moon
Derin	Unisex	Deep; Profound
Kay	Girl	To rejoice; Rock; Cliff; Fiery
Seren	Girl	Star; Baby gazelle; Sky; Clear' Cloudless; Peaceful; Clear; Bright; Fair; Joyous; Calm
Aelin	Girl	Of the moon; Strength; Little girl
Eyla	Girl	Halo of light around the moon; Oak tree
Peri	Girl	A fairy; A fruit
Azlyn	Girl	Lion

Naylah	Girl	Achiever; Attainer; Gracious
Soha	Girl	Forgotten; Overlooked; Young star; Hidden star of a constellation
Elma	Girl	Will helmet; Sweet fruit or apple
Sona	Girl	Gold; Good color; Duck
Selin	Unisex	Flood; Torrent; Abundant flowing water
Semira	Girl	Companion in evening talk; Highest heaven;
Meryem	Girl	Beloved; Wished for child; Sea of bitterness
Ailynn	Girl	Moon halo; Belonging to the moon
Emira	Girl	Prince; Commander; Treetop
Asya	Girl	Resurrection; Defending men; Asia; East

Iylah	Unisex	Moonlight; Beauty; Brilliance
Aysia	Girl	East; Land of the Rising Sun; Living
Esma	Girl	Supreme; Esteemed; Loved
Hafsah	Girl	Female lion cub; Little lioness
Sevin	Boy	Love her; Rejoice; Apple; Night-grazing;
Kayra	Girl	Benevolence; Blessing; Favor
Eda	Girl	Well mannered; Fortunate battle; Noble; Rich friend; War
Eyleen	Girl	One who belongs
Defne	Girl	A laurel tree; Name of a place in Turkey
Dunya	Girl	To be pleased or satisfied; World; Kingdom; Universe

Neila	Girl	Champion; Cloud; Attainer
Bahar	Girl	Spring; Bloom; Beauty; Youth
Jasiri	Unisex	Bold; Courageous
Miray	Girl	Commander; Moon; Month; Glowing like a moon
Zehra	Girl	Blooming flower; To shine; Bright; Brilliant
Sahra	Girl	A bright flower; Desert; Battlefield
Sabiha	Girl	Morning; Beautiful; Graceful
Seher	Girl	Early morning; Dawn; Intelligence; Beauty; Lake; Seer; Visionary
Cadin	Unisex	Married daughter; Adult woman
Dilara	Girl	Adorn; Heart; She who delights the heart

Kina	Girl	Pure; Follower of Christ; Henna; Princess; Noblewoman
Azrah	Girl	Virgin; Maiden; Support; Help; Protection
Asli	Girl	Genuine; Real; Authentic; Essence; Amber
Ayse	Girl	Living; Alive; Moon-like; Happy
Ayza	Unisex	Returning; Visitor; Moon; Gold
Ayline	Girl	Of the moon; Moon halo
Fatma	Girl	To abstain
Aylla	Unisex	Moonlight; Moon halo; Edge of a sword; Terebinth tree
Senia	Girl	Hospitality; Foreigner; Guest; Praise
Sofya	Girl	Wisdom

Naz	Girl	Coy; Auctioneer; Pride
Aysa	Girl	Moon-like; Beautiful; Radiant; Living; Alive
Nihan	Boy	Concealed; Secreted; Undisclosed; Finally; Destroyer; Conqueror
Saydi	Unisex	Hunting; Prey; Lady; Princess; Noblewoman
Suheyla	Girl	Level; Even
Arzu	Girl	Wish; Longing; Hope; Desire
Hazal	Girl	Gazelle; Antelope; Autumn
Ozlem	Unisex	Yearning; Missing
Eliz	Unisex	My God is an oath; Hand
Melis	Unisex	Bee

Gizem	Girl	Mysterious; Enigma
Hurrem	Girl	Joyful; Happy
Siyah	Unisex	Black
Neslihan	Girl	A lineage of leadership; Noble
Nida	Girl	Call; Proclaim
Serra	Girl	Lady; Princess; Noblewoman; Abundance; Prosperity
Leman	Boy	Bright; Shining
Afra	Girl	Whitish red; Earth-colored; Person from Africa; Thirteenth night of the month; Untrodden ground
Zuhal	Unisex	To be remote; To linger away from others; Saturn
Khani	Unisex	Honey; Lady

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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.

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).

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.

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

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