Dilek first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Dilek has been for the last 1 years (from 2011 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Dilek

A feminine Turkish name meaning "wish" or "desire".

Popularity of Dilek by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Dilek is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dilek.

Year Male Count Female Count
2011 0 5

The history of the first name Dilek

The name Dilek originates from the Turkish language and culture. It is derived from the Turkish word "dilek," which means "wish" or "desire." The name has been in use in Turkey for centuries, with its roots possibly dating back to the Ottoman Empire era.

Dilek was a relatively common name among Turkish women, particularly in the medieval and early modern periods. It was often given to girls with the hope that their lives would be filled with fulfilled desires and granted wishes. The name's connotation of positivity and aspiration made it a popular choice.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dilek can be found in the 16th-century Ottoman court records, where a woman named Dilek Hatun was mentioned as a witness in a legal case. This suggests that the name had already gained prominence by that time.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Dilek. One example is Dilek Türker (born 1965), a Turkish actress and television personality known for her roles in popular TV series and films. Another is Dilek Sabancı (1957-2018), a prominent Turkish businesswoman and philanthropist who served as the chairperson of the Sabancı Holding company.

In the literary realm, Dilek Güngören (born 1940) is a renowned Turkish poet and writer who has published numerous collections of poetry and prose works. Her works often explore themes of love, identity, and social issues.

Outside of Turkey, the name Dilek has also been embraced by individuals of Turkish descent. For instance, Dilek Frýdá (born 1977) is a Czech-Turkish singer and songwriter who has gained recognition for her fusion of Turkish and Western music styles.

Another notable figure is Dilek Kuraner (born 1967), a Turkish-American mathematician and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of algebraic geometry. She has held teaching positions at various prestigious universities in the United States.

While the name Dilek has its roots in Turkish culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and found a place in various communities around the world, carrying with it the essence of its original meaning – a wish or desire for a fulfilling life.

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 Dilek was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Dilek first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 12, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/dilek-meaning-and-history/.

"Dilek first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/dilek-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 12 September, 2025

Dilek first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/dilek-meaning-and-history/.

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