Find out how popular the first name Alay has been for the last 13 years (from 2007 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alay by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Alay is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alay.

The history of the first name Alay

The given name Alay has its origins in the Turkic languages, specifically within the Altaic language family. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 10th to 13th centuries, when various Turkic tribes and kingdoms flourished in Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Alay can be found in the epic poem "Dede Korkut," a collection of Oghuz Turkic folklore stories dating back to the 9th or 10th century. In this work, Alay is mentioned as the name of a character, suggesting its usage among the Oghuz Turks of that era.

The name Alay is thought to be derived from the Old Turkic word "alp," which means "brave" or "valiant." It was often bestowed upon warriors or individuals who displayed exceptional courage and strength, reflecting the nomadic and warrior culture of the Turkic peoples.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Alay. One of the earliest examples is Alay Khan (1166-1235), a renowned military commander who served under the Khwarazmian Empire in present-day Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. He played a pivotal role in defending the empire against the Mongol invasions.

Another historical figure with the name Alay was Alay Atabeg (1153-1225), a Seljuk commander and ruler who governed parts of modern-day Iran and Iraq during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He was known for his military prowess and successful campaigns against rival factions.

In the 14th century, Alay Sher (1320-1381) was a prominent Sufi mystic and poet from the region of present-day Afghanistan. His works, written in Persian, have had a lasting influence on Islamic literature and spirituality.

During the 16th century, Alay Bey (1516-1578) was a prominent Ottoman statesman and military leader. He served as the governor of various provinces within the Ottoman Empire and played a significant role in the empire's expansion and consolidation of power.

In more recent times, Alay Toker (1938-2014) was a renowned Turkish actor, director, and screenwriter. He was widely celebrated for his contributions to Turkish cinema and television, and his name became synonymous with the golden age of Turkish entertainment.

While the name Alay has its roots in the Turkic languages and cultures, it has also gained popularity and usage in other regions, particularly in parts of Central and South Asia, where Turkic influences have been present throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alay, please contact us.

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