Rising since 2003, #1,753 for boys today.
Popularity of Orhan since 1997
Babies named Orhan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 43 |
| 2010s | 84 |
| 2020s | 345 |
Meaning & origin
Orhan is a Turkish name with historical roots in the Ottoman Empire, but it remains uncommon in the United States. Since its first recorded appearance in the Social Security data in 1997, it has climbed to rank 1753 in 2025, and its trajectory has been consistently rising since 2003. The name peaked in 2025, with 1 in every 18,566 boys receiving the name. Its top states include New Jersey, Virginia, and California, reflecting its use in communities with Turkish heritage. Orhan carries a dignified, historical weight without being heavy, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with a clear cultural anchor.
Orhan is a Turkish name with debated etymology. It may derive from the Persian 'or' (great) and 'han' (ruler), together meaning 'great commander.' Historically, it is associated with Orhan I, the second Ottoman sultan (13th century), who expanded the empire into Europe. The name gained renewed use in Turkey and among diaspora communities, appearing in the U.S. Social Security data since 1997.
Where Orhan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Orhan” around the world
Where Orhan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Orkhan
Sibling names for Orhan
Names that share Orhan's style, for a brother or sister.
