Ilhan is a name of Turkish origin, derived from the Turkic elements "il" meaning "intelligence" or "wisdom", and "han" which means "ruler" or "leader". Therefore, Ilhan can be translated to mean "wise ruler" or "intelligent leader".
The name Ilhan has a rich history in Turkey. It was popular among the Ottoman Empire's royal family and nobility. One of the most notable figures with this name is Sultan Abdulhamid II (also known as Hamidiye), who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1876 to 1909. He is often referred to as "Ilhan" in Turkish history.
Today, Ilhan remains a popular name in Turkey and among Turkish communities worldwide. It is often given to boys born into families that value intelligence, leadership, and wisdom. While it has historically been more common for men, some parents today choose Ilhan for their daughters as well, reflecting the gender-neutral nature of many Turkic names.
In terms of its spelling, Ilhan can vary slightly depending on the language and region. In Turkish, it is written as "İlhan", with the dotless i (İ) used in the Turkish alphabet. When transcribed into Latin script without diacritics, it becomes "Ilhan". In other languages or romanizations, it may appear differently (e.g., "Ilkhan" or "Elkan"). However, regardless of its spelling, Ilhan maintains its meaning and historic significance.
In conclusion, Ilhan is a strong and meaningful name with roots deep in Turkish history. It symbolizes wisdom and leadership, qualities that many parents hope their children will embody as they grow older.
The name Ilhan experienced a significant rise in popularity over the past two decades, with a notable spike in recent years. From 2002 to 2023, there were a total of 147 babies named Ilhan, with a particular surge since 2015, indicating that this name has gained considerable traction among parents in recent times.