Find out how popular the first name Nuri has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nuri by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Nuri is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 68% of people named Nuri being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 78 female babies and 31 male babies born with the name Nuri.

The history of the first name Nuri

The given name Nuri has its roots in Arabic and Persian languages, with the earliest records tracing back to the 7th century CE. In Arabic, the word "nur" means "light" or "enlightenment," suggesting that the name Nuri may have been derived from this word, potentially referring to someone who is enlightened or enlightening.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Nuri can be found in the Qur'an, the central religious text of Islam. In Surah An-Nur (The Light), the name appears in reference to the concept of divine light and guidance. This association with religious texts may have contributed to the popularity of the name among Muslim communities.

In Persian literature, the name Nuri appears in several works, including the famous poetry of Rumi (1207-1273 CE), a renowned Sufi mystic and philosopher. Rumi's use of the name in his writings may have further popularized it in the Persian-speaking regions of the Middle East and Central Asia.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nuri. One of the earliest examples is Nuri al-Abhari (1228-1298 CE), a Persian philosopher and mathematician who made significant contributions to the study of logic and astronomy. Another prominent figure is Nuri al-Din Zangi (1118-1174 CE), a Turkish Atabeg (ruler) who played a vital role in the defense of the Seljuk Empire against the Crusaders.

In more recent times, Nuri Pasha (1834-1900) was an influential Ottoman statesman and military leader who served as the Grand Vizier (Prime Minister) of the Ottoman Empire during the late 19th century. Nuri Killigil (1892-1949) was a Turkish diplomat and ambassador known for his efforts in promoting peace and international cooperation.

Another notable figure is Nuri al-Said (1888-1958), an Iraqi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Iraq multiple times and played a crucial role in the country's independence from the British Mandate. His legacy remains controversial, with some praising his efforts to modernize Iraq and others criticizing his authoritarian tendencies.

These examples illustrate the rich historical and cultural significance of the name Nuri, which has been borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including philosophers, rulers, diplomats, and political leaders, spanning various regions and time periods.

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

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

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