Find out how popular the first name Meral has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meral by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Meral is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meral.

The history of the first name Meral

The name Meral is of Turkish origin, derived from the Persian word "meral," which means "ruby" or "gem." This name has been in use since the Ottoman Empire period in the 15th to 20th centuries.

The earliest recorded use of the name Meral dates back to the 16th century, when it was mentioned in Ottoman court records and literature. It was particularly popular among the elite classes and was often given to daughters of noblemen and high-ranking officials.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Meral was Meral Hatun, a 16th-century Ottoman princess and the daughter of Sultan Selim II. She was known for her beauty and her patronage of the arts and literature.

Another notable figure bearing the name Meral was Meral Çelebi, a 17th-century Ottoman calligrapher and poet. She was renowned for her exceptional calligraphic skills and her contributions to the development of Ottoman literature.

In the 19th century, Meral Sami Pasha was a prominent Ottoman statesman and diplomat. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and played a crucial role in the modernization efforts of the Ottoman Empire.

A more recent historical figure with the name Meral was Meral Akıncı, a Turkish author and activist born in 1919. She was known for her works that addressed social issues and women's rights in Turkey.

Meral Aksener, born in 1952, is a contemporary Turkish politician and the former leader of the İYİ Party (Good Party). She has been a prominent figure in Turkish politics for several decades and has served as a member of parliament and as the Minister of Interior.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Meral. The name's Persian origin and its long-standing association with the Ottoman Empire and Turkish culture have contributed to its enduring presence and significance.

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

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

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