MallowbyNames

Esmeray

ES-muh-ray · Derived from Turkish "esmer" meaning "dark-skinned, brunette" combined with "ay" meaning "moon," so "dark moon."

2025 rank (girls)
#1,388
Babies named in 2025
157
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 10,237 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2018

Rising since 2018, #1,388 for girls today.

Popularity of Esmeray since 2018

Babies named Esmeray per year in U.S. Social Security records.

521051572020Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2010s11
2020s394

Meaning & origin

Esmeray is a modern Turkish compound name that entered U.S. naming records only in 2018, making it a very recent arrival. Its rank of 1388 in 2025 places it among the more unusual choices, with a rarity of 1 in 10,237 newborns. The name has risen steadily since its debut, peaking at its current rank in 2025. Geographically, Esmeray shows the strongest relative popularity in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri, suggesting a pattern of use among Turkish American communities or families drawn to its lyrical sound. Despite its short history on the American scene, the name's clear Turkish etymology and melodic rhythm give it a distinctive appeal.

Esmeray is a modern Turkish feminine name formed from "esmer" (dark-skinned, brunette, originally from Persian "asmar") and "ay" (moon). The name has gained modest popularity in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities since the late 20th century. Its use in the United States is recent, first appearing in Social Security records in 2018.

Where Esmeray is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Esme

Sibling names for Esmeray

Names that share Esmeray's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Elif, Dilara, Zeynep, Asya, Leyla

Brothers: Emir, Kerem, Cem, Efe, Yusuf

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Esmeray, our favorite little girl.

E is for Esmeray…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Esmeray's letter becomes Esmeray's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Esmeray's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Esmeray mean?
Esmeray means "dark moon" in Turkish, from "esmer" (dark) and "ay" (moon).
How popular is the name Esmeray?
In 2025, Esmeray ranked 1388th in the U.S., given to about 1 in every 10,237 newborn girls. It first entered the rankings in 2018 and has been rising since.
Is Esmeray a boy's or girl's name?
Esmeray is primarily used as a girl's name in the United States.