IPA Pronunciation

/ilˈkaj/

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Syllables

Ilkay is a Turkish name meaning 'first moon' or 'new moon.' Derived from Turkish roots 'ilk' meaning 'first' and 'ay' meaning 'moon,' it symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and renewal. Historically, the moon has had cultural significance in Turkic peoples, representing cycles, time, and beauty.

Cultural Significance of Ilkay

In Turkish culture, the moon is a revered celestial body symbolizing beauty, cycles, and renewal. The name Ilkay, meaning 'first moon,' reflects the significance of new beginnings and hope. It is a popular unisex name in Turkey and among Turkic communities, often given to children born at the start of a new lunar cycle or symbolizing a fresh start in life.

Ilkay Name Popularity in 2025

Today, Ilkay is appreciated globally for its unique sound and meaningful origin. It maintains popularity in Turkey and among diasporas but is also gaining recognition internationally as parents seek meaningful, multicultural, and unisex names. Its connection to nature and celestial bodies appeals to modern parents valuing symbolism and individuality.

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Popular Nicknames10

IlkaKayIlkyIkeKay-KayIlKayoIllyKaiIli
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International Variations10

İlkayIlkaIlkaiIlkayhIlkaiyIlkaïIlkayyIlkaeIlcayIlkaay

Similar Names You Might Love9

Name Energy & Essence

The name Ilkay carries the essence of “First moon or new moon” from Turkish tradition. Names beginning with "I" often embody qualities of inspiration, individuality, and intuition.

Symbolism

Cultural Significance

In Turkish culture, the moon is a revered celestial body symbolizing beauty, cycles, and renewal. The name Ilkay, meaning 'first moon,' reflects the significance of new beginnings and hope. It is a popular unisex name in Turkey and among Turkic communities, often given to children born at the start of a new lunar cycle or symbolizing a fresh start in life.

İlkay Durmuş

A Turkish mathematician known for contributions to number theory.

İlkay Tüfekçi

An Ottoman-era poet who wrote under the pen name 'İlkay' expressing themes of nature and renewal.

İlkay Gök

A notable cultural historian who studied Turkic lunar symbolism.

İlkay Aras

A pioneering Turkish astronomer focusing on lunar phases and cycles.

İlkay Bayram

A Turkish folk musician who popularized traditional songs about the moon.

İlkay Akdeniz

An early 20th-century Turkish educator advocating for cultural heritage preservation.

İlkay Özdemir

A Turkish linguist specializing in Turkic languages and their poetic lexicons.

İlkay Şahin

A 19th-century Ottoman calligrapher known for moon-themed art.

Ilkay

🌐Spanish

Ilkay

🌐French

Ilkay

🌐German

Ilkay

🌐Italian

イルカイ

🌐Japanese

伊尔凯

🌐Chinese

إلكاي

🌐Arabic

Fun Fact About Ilkay

Ilkay combines two simple Turkish words 'ilk' (first) and 'ay' (moon), making it a poetic name that literally means 'first moon,' symbolizing new beginnings and hope.

Personality Traits for Ilkay

People named Ilkay are often seen as hopeful, creative, and adaptable. The name suggests a personality that embraces change and new experiences with optimism. Ilkays may have a natural sensitivity to beauty and cycles in life, showing empathy and resilience. They tend to be balanced, thoughtful, and open-minded, with a calm but confident presence.

What does the name Ilkay mean?

Ilkay is a Turkish name meaning “First moon or new moon”. Ilkay is a Turkish name meaning 'first moon' or 'new moon.' Derived from Turkish roots 'ilk' meaning 'first' and 'ay' meaning 'moon,' it symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and renewal. Historically, the moon has had cultural significance in Turkic peoples, representing cycles, time, and beauty.

How do you pronounce Ilkay?

Ilkay is pronounced (IPA: /ilˈkaj/). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.

What are nicknames for Ilkay?

Popular nicknames for Ilkay include: Ilka, Kay, Ilky, Ike, Kay-Kay, Il, Kayo, Illy, Kai, Ili.

Who are famous people named Ilkay?

Famous people named Ilkay include: , , , , .

Which celebrities named their baby Ilkay?

Celebrity babies named Ilkay include children of: Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

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Ilkay is a beautiful Turkish name meaning “First moon or new moon”. Ilkay is a Turkish name meaning 'first moon' or 'new moon.' Derived from Turkish roots 'ilk' meaning 'first' and 'ay' meaning 'moon,' it symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and renewal. Historically, the...

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