Find out how popular the first name Eker has been for the last 8 years (from 2012 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eker by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Eker 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 Eker.

The history of the first name Eker

The name Eker has its origins in the Turkic languages, primarily spoken in Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. It is believed to have derived from the Old Turkic word "eker," which means "to sow" or "to plant." This connection suggests that the name may have initially been associated with agricultural pursuits or individuals involved in farming and cultivation.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name can be traced back to the 11th century, during the height of the Seljuk Empire, which ruled over parts of Central Asia and the Middle East. Historical records from this period mention an individual named Eker Bey, a prominent military commander and advisor to the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan.

In the 13th century, the name appears in the writings of the Persian poet and mystic, Rumi. One of his poems mentions a disciple named Eker, who is praised for his spiritual devotion and wisdom. This association with Sufism and spiritual enlightenment may have contributed to the name's enduring popularity in certain regions.

During the Ottoman Empire, which spanned from the 14th to the early 20th century, the name Eker was not uncommon among the Turkic populations within the empire's vast territories. Notable individuals bearing this name include Eker Pasha, a 16th-century Ottoman statesman and governor of several provinces, and Eker Efendi, a 17th-century scholar and calligrapher renowned for his mastery of the Arabic script.

As the centuries progressed, the name Eker continued to be used across various Turkic cultures, including those in Central Asia, the Caucasus region, and parts of modern-day Turkey. One notable figure from more recent history was Eker Güney, a 19th-century Turkish poet and writer who contributed significantly to the literary renaissance of the Ottoman Empire.

While the name Eker has its roots in the Turkic languages, it has also found its way into other cultures and regions through migration and cultural exchange. For example, there are records of individuals named Eker in regions as diverse as the Balkans, the Middle East, and even parts of 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 Eker was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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