Find out how popular the first name Seray has been for the last 10 years (from 2007 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine Turkish given name meaning "brightness" or "glow".
Based on the last 10 years of data, Seray is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Seray.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2016 | 0 | 5 |
2007 | 0 | 5 |
The name Seray originates from the Turkish language and has its roots in the word "seraglio," which means "palace" or "harem." It is believed to have emerged during the Ottoman Empire era, which spanned from the 13th to the 20th centuries.
In the early days of the Ottoman Empire, the seraglio was the residential area within the imperial palace where the Sultan's wives, concubines, and female servants lived. The name Seray may have been given to individuals born or raised within the confines of the seraglio or those associated with the imperial court.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Seray can be found in the writings of the Ottoman historian Mustafa Naima, who lived from 1655 to 1716. In his chronicles, he documented the lives of various individuals living in the Ottoman court, some of whom bore the name Seray.
Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have carried the name Seray. One such figure was Seray Hatun, a Turkish noblewoman who lived in the 16th century and was the wife of the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. Another historical figure was Seray Mehmed Bey, a 17th-century Ottoman statesman and diplomat who served as the Governor of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul).
In the realm of literature, there was Seray Kızı, a Turkish poet who lived in the 17th century and was known for her contributions to the Ottoman divan poetry tradition. Her works were celebrated for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
Moving forward to the 19th century, Seray Esma Sultan was a member of the Ottoman imperial family and the daughter of Sultan Abdulmejid I. She played a significant role in promoting education and charitable causes during her lifetime.
One of the most recent notable figures with the name Seray was Seray Sever, a Turkish actress and model born in 1976. She gained prominence for her roles in various Turkish television series and films, showcasing her talent and versatility as a performer.
While the name Seray may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire continue to intrigue scholars and researchers interested in the study of names and their origins.
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 Seray was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Seray, please contact us.
We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.
If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!
<a href="http://namecensus.com/first-names/seray-meaning-and-history/">Seray first name popularity, history and meaning</a>
"Seray first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 23, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/seray-meaning-and-history/.
"Seray first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/seray-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 23 October, 2025
Seray first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/seray-meaning-and-history/.
Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.
Simple as that.