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 has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. In 2002, there were only 6 babies named Ilhan, but this number doubled by 2015 when 13 babies were given this name. This trend continued with another peak in 2021 and 2022, where 13 and 14 babies respectively were named Ilhan. The most recent data from 2023 shows a slight decrease to 10 births. Overall, since 2002, there have been a total of 147 babies named Ilhan in the United States. This name has clearly gained traction and become more commonly used over time.