Find out how popular the first name Turk has been for the last 33 years (from 1991 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Turk by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Turk is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Turk.

The history of the first name Turk

The given name Turk is derived from the Old Turkish word "Türk", which means "strength" or "power". It has its origins in Central Asia, where the Turkic peoples lived and ruled various empires and kingdoms from the 6th century onwards.

The name Turk is believed to have been used as a personal name among the nomadic Turkic tribes, such as the Göktürks and the Uyghurs, who inhabited the vast steppes of Central Asia. These tribes played a significant role in shaping the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region.

In the ancient Turkic inscriptions, such as the Orkhon inscriptions from the 8th century, the name Turk appears as a reference to the Turkic peoples and their identity. It was also mentioned in various medieval Islamic texts and historical records, including the works of Persian scholars and travelers.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Turk as a personal name can be found in the historical accounts of the Seljuk Empire, which ruled over parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, and Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Turk bin Alp, a Seljuk commander and governor, lived in the late 11th century and played a significant role in the expansion of the Seljuk Empire.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the given name Turk. One of the most famous was Turk Bin Salim Al-Nakh'i, a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist from the 8th century. He was a prominent figure in the field of Islamic jurisprudence and is considered one of the founders of the Hanafi school of Islamic law.

Another prominent figure was Turk Pasha (1492-1541), an Ottoman statesman and military leader who served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. He played a crucial role in the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the conquest of Rhodes and Belgrade.

In the 16th century, Turk Dilligil (1515-1600) was a renowned Ottoman poet and calligrapher who contributed significantly to the literary and artistic traditions of the Ottoman Empire. His works are still studied and appreciated today.

In the 19th century, Turk Kuyu (1810-1890) was a prominent Ottoman statesman and diplomat who served as the Ambassador of the Ottoman Empire to various European countries, including France and Austria.

Another notable figure was Turk Turkmenoglu (1865-1942), a Turkish political activist and journalist who played a significant role in the late Ottoman and early Republican periods of Turkey. He advocated for the rights of the Turkish people and was a vocal supporter of the Turkish War of Independence.

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

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

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