MallowbyNames

Turhan

toor-HAHN · Of uncertain meaning; possibly derived from Turkish 'turhan' meaning 'brave' or 'knightly'.

Peak popularity
1946
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Turhan since 1944

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

49131960198020002020Most births 1946Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1940s50
1950s33
1960s45
1970s75
1980s38
1990s16
2000s6
2010s5
2020s9

Meaning & origin

Turhan is a Turkish name of noble, warrior associations. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1944 and reached its peak popularity in 1946, but even then it remained exceptionally rare. It has never entered the top 1000 names, and as of 2025 there is no reliable one-in-N incidence estimate due to its scarcity. The name's trajectory is stable, meaning it has never experienced a dramatic rise or fall. No U.S. state recorded enough births to list Turhan among top names. Culturally, Turhan carries a sense of historical depth within Turkish contexts, though it is virtually unknown elsewhere. For parents seeking a distinctive name with a strong, masculine sound and roots in Turkish history, Turhan offers a unique option.

Turhan is a Turkish name of uncertain derivation. It may be related to the Turkish word 'turhan', which historically referred to a class of free warriors or knights in the medieval Turkic and Mongol societies. The name is borne as a title of honor. It was first recorded in the United States in 1944, though it has remained extremely rare.

Sibling names for Turhan

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

Sisters: Aylin, Derya, Elif, Leyla, Sibel

Brothers: Cem, Emre, Kerem, Mehmet, Orhan

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

T is for Turhan, our favorite little boy.

T is for Turhan…”

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

Make Turhan's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Turhan mean?
The meaning of Turhan is uncertain; it may derive from a Turkish term for a warrior or knight.
How popular is the name Turhan currently?
Turhan is exceedingly rare in the United States; it has not ranked in the top 1000 names and has no one-in-N estimate for 2025.
Is Turhan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Turhan is traditionally a masculine name, though its rarity means it is occasionally used for any gender.