Find out how popular the first name Nuray has been for the last 12 years (from 2011 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nuray by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Nuray is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nuray.

The history of the first name Nuray

The given name Nuray has its origins in the Turkish language and culture. It is believed to have emerged as a name during the Ottoman Empire era in the region of modern-day Turkey, sometime around the 15th or 16th century.

The word Nuray is derived from the combination of two Turkish words: "nur" meaning light, and "ay" meaning moon. Thus, the name Nuray can be translated to mean "light of the moon" or "moonlight." This poetic and celestial meaning has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in Turkey and among Turkish communities worldwide.

While the name Nuray does not appear to have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its component words "nur" and "ay" have been used in various literary works and poetry throughout the centuries, reflecting the cultural significance of light and the moon in Turkish culture.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nuray can be found in the Ottoman Empire's census records from the late 19th century, indicating its use as a given name for girls during that time period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nuray, contributing to its recognition and popularity. Here are five examples:

1. Nuray Hafifoglu (1933-2021), a renowned Turkish actress and theater performer, known for her roles in numerous plays and films.
2. Nuray Mert (born 1962), a Turkish novelist and screenwriter, acclaimed for her works exploring themes of love, relationships, and societal issues.
3. Nuray Sayari (born 1941), a Turkish-American academic and expert on Turkish politics and foreign policy, serving as a professor at various universities.
4. Nuray Uslu (born 1988), a Turkish swimmer and Olympian, representing Turkey in multiple Olympic Games and holding national records.
5. Nuray Mehemet (born 1993), a Turkish singer and songwriter, known for blending traditional Turkish music with contemporary styles.

These individuals, spanning various fields such as arts, literature, academia, sports, and music, have contributed to the recognition and celebration of the name Nuray across different domains and generations.

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

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

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