OP again. Forgot to thank you all again for your ideas! While some of the names mentioned (Ziad, Sultan, Sami, Torhan) aren't really used in Turkey, I really liked some of your suggestions and appreciate all of you taking the time in chime in. And who knew there were so many of you on here who are so familiar with Turkish names! Thanks again!

OP here. I'm not a historian but my understanding is that the Huns originally came from Central Asia and spoke a Turkic language distantly related to Turkush. While the name Atilla isn't very popular in Turkey, it definately exists. Sort of for the same reason Kaan, Hakan, Cengiz, Timucin ect. exist here, because they refer to Turkic leaders from Central Asia where the original inhabitants of modern day Turkey are said to be from. Needless to say, historical figures like Atilla and Gengiz Khan are seen in a much more positive light in this part of the world.

Also, what about Ziad? Is there a cultural problem in Turkey with that one? I know a couple of boys from multicultural families with that name and like it.

Not on your list and Americans have trouble with it, but my favorite is Cihan.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had a Turkish student named Attila a few years ago. He was one of the coolest kids ever.

In the US (except probably in the Turkish-American community), the association with Attila is Attila the Hun.

Pretty sure that association is why it's a popular name in Turkey.

Why? What does Attila the Hun have to do with Turkey? This is a sincere question.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had a Turkish student named Attila a few years ago. He was one of the coolest kids ever.

In the US (except probably in the Turkish-American community), the association with Attila is Attila the Hun.

Pretty sure that association is why it's a popular name in Turkey.

Anonymous wrote:I had a Turkish student named Attila a few years ago. He was one of the coolest kids ever.

In the US (except probably in the Turkish-American community), the association with Attila is Attila the Hun.

I once knew a Sultan. I have also known a few guys named Sami. Is that too Arabic?

Tor is a cool name. How about Torhan?

I get it OP. Look, a Turkish name will always be different. But that's OK. There are plenty of kids here in the US with very unusual names. Your child will probably have to repeat his name to a stranger or non-Turk, but having a different name can be a learning/growing opportunity too. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

OP here. Actually we live in Turkey right now, but will be back in the States eventually. There are so many factors to consider with names, especially ones that have to work biculturally! Connotation, pronunciation, meaning, fit with the last name and other kids names and on and on... i don't mind old-fashioned names but, of course, don't want to set my kids up for difficulties in either country. So much to consider!

PP right above again, we also considered Yunus (but did not go with it).

Ali? Not technically Turkish, but is easy.

Arda
Emir
Kaan
Altay

Are the other ones that come to mind.

OP, I am Turkish -- you may want to think about what happens if your child goes back to Turkey. Some of those names like Ziya, Ilyas (btw, how about Idris?) are very old fashioned and he might be made fun of.

I had a Turkish student named Attila a few years ago. He was one of the coolest kids ever.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Funny coincidence then - Nadir actually IS a Turkish name. It means rare, originally from Arabic I think. I never would have associated it with the English meaning but it's true it would be a sort of bummer of a name in te US!

How about Nader or another spelling? I know there's not the transliteration thing with Turkish, but I have known an Arab Nader.

I like Emre a lot, and I think Murat and Kadir are nice too.

Hakan