Melih first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Melih has been for the last 11 years (from 2007 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Melih

A Turkish masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly meaning "friendly" or "auspicious".

Popularity of Melih by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Melih is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Melih.

Year Male Count Female Count
2017 6 0
2016 6 0
2015 5 0
2014 6 0
2013 6 0
2012 6 0
2007 6 0

The history of the first name Melih

The name Melih is of Turkish origin and has its roots in the Persian language. It is derived from the Persian word "meli," which means "honey" or "sweet." The name is believed to have originated sometime in the 7th or 8th century during the Islamic Golden Age, when Persian culture and language significantly influenced the Ottoman Empire.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Melih can be found in the 11th-century Persian epic poem "Shahnameh" by Ferdowsi. In this literary masterpiece, Melih appears as the name of a minor character, suggesting that the name was already in use at that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Melih. One of the most prominent figures was Melih Gazi (1055-1121), a Turkish military leader and ruler of the Danishmendids, a Turkmen dynasty that ruled parts of modern-day Turkey and Armenia in the 11th and 12th centuries. Melih Gazi played a crucial role in the expansion of the Danishmendid territory and was known for his military prowess.

Another historical figure with the name Melih was Melih Cevdet Anday (1915-2002), a renowned Turkish poet, essayist, and translator. Anday was a prominent figure in the Turkish literary scene and was widely acclaimed for his modernist poetry, which explored themes of existentialism, social justice, and human experiences.

In the field of music, Melih Kibar (1954-2005) was a notable Turkish singer and songwriter. He was known for his unique fusion of traditional Turkish music with contemporary genres, and his songs often reflected his deep love for his homeland and its cultural heritage.

Melih Petek (1967-), a Turkish actor and director, is another individual who has carried the name with distinction. He has appeared in numerous Turkish films and TV series, garnering critical acclaim for his versatile performances and contributions to the Turkish entertainment industry.

While the name Melih has ancient roots and a rich historical significance, it continues to be a popular choice for baby names in modern-day Turkey, where it is often associated with sweetness, elegance, and cultural heritage.

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

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

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"Melih first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 2, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/melih-meaning-and-history/.

"Melih first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/melih-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 2 August, 2025

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

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