Find out how popular the first name Ilhan has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ilhan by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Ilhan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 73% of people named Ilhan being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Ilhan.

The history of the first name Ilhan

The name Ilhan has its origins in the Turkish language and culture. It is a compound name derived from the combination of the Turkish words "il" meaning "land" or "country" and "han" meaning "ruler" or "sovereign." The name can be translated to mean "ruler of the land" or "sovereign of the country."

In Turkish history, the title "han" was used to refer to the leaders or rulers of various Turkic empires and kingdoms, such as the Khans of the Mongolian Empire or the Seljuk Turks. The name Ilhan may have been given to individuals born into ruling families or those destined for leadership roles.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ilhan can be found in the 13th century, during the reign of the Ilkhanate, a Mongol dynasty that ruled over parts of modern-day Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The Ilkhanate was founded by Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, and the name Ilhan may have been used within this dynasty.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Ilhan. One example is Ilhan Mansiz, a 13th-century Turkish poet and mystic who lived during the Seljuk period. His works, often written in the form of ghazals (lyric poems), explored themes of love, spirituality, and Sufism.

Another prominent figure was Ilhan Arsel, a Turkish general and statesman who served as the 10th President of Turkey from 1983 to 1989. Born in 1899, he played a crucial role in the country's transition to democracy after years of military rule.

In the realm of sports, Ilhan Mansiz, a Turkish footballer born in 1986, gained recognition for his successful career playing for various clubs, including Besiktas and Kayserispor, as well as representing the Turkish national team.

The name Ilhan has also been carried by notable scholars and intellectuals. One such individual was Ilhan Bashgoz, a Turkish linguist and academic who made significant contributions to the study of Turkic languages and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Throughout the centuries, the name Ilhan has maintained its presence in various cultures and societies influenced by the Turkish language and traditions. While its popularity may have fluctuated over time, it continues to hold significance as a name deeply rooted in the rich history and cultural legacy of the region.

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

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

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