UK boy's name
Ayhan
A Turkish masculine name meaning "the light of the moon".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Ayhan is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Ayhan popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #1322, with 20 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2024, with 20 births.
This profile covers 105 England and Wales registrations across 17 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Ayhan is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 104 living people in the UK are called Ayhan. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Ayhan ranked #1322 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 20 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2024, when 20 boys were registered as Ayhan.
- • About 104 living people in the UK are estimated to have Ayhan as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#1322
2024
Births in 2024
20
Latest year
Peak year
2024
20 births
Estimated living
104
2026
Meaning
What does Ayhan mean?
The name Ayhan is of Turkish origin, derived from the combination of two words: "ay" meaning moon, and "han" meaning ruler or sovereign. It is believed to have emerged during the Ottoman Empire era, which spanned from the late 13th century to the early 20th century.
The name's roots can be traced back to the Turkic languages, which were spoken by various nomadic groups that inhabited the vast Eurasian steppes. The concept of the moon holding a significant place in these ancient cultures is evident in the naming traditions, as celestial bodies were often revered and associated with power and divine guidance.
While there are no specific historical references to the name Ayhan in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is possible that it was used by members of the ruling classes or nobility during the Ottoman Empire's reign. The combination of the moon and ruler elements in the name suggests a connection to authority and celestial influences.
One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ayhan can be found in the 16th century, when it was borne by Ayhan Mehmed Pasha, an Ottoman statesman and grand vizier who served under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. He played a crucial role in the administration of the empire and was known for his diplomatic skills.
Another notable figure with the name Ayhan was Ayhan Işık (1929-1979), a Turkish actor and filmmaker who gained widespread recognition for his roles in numerous popular films during the 1960s and 1970s. He was celebrated for his versatility and ability to portray a diverse range of characters.
In the realm of sports, Ayhan Akman (1935-2016) was a prominent Turkish footballer who played as a striker for various clubs, including Galatasaray and the Turkish national team. He was renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and is considered one of the greatest players in Turkish football history.
Ayhan Demir (born 1956) is a Turkish writer and academic who has published several novels and short story collections. His works often explore themes of identity, cultural traditions, and the complexities of modern Turkish society. He has received numerous literary awards and is widely respected in the literary circles of Turkey.
Ayhan Sicimoğlu (born 1953) is a Turkish composer and musician who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His compositions have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles around the globe, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Turkey through his musical works.
These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Ayhan throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the cultural tapestry of Turkey and beyond.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Ayhan over time
The chart below shows babies named Ayhan registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Ayhan, the clearest high point is 2024. The latest England and Wales figure is 20 births in 2024, compared with 20 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Ayhan by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Ayhan was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #2165 | 57 | 5 |
| 2010s | #3844 | 26 | 6 |
| 2000s | #3318 | 16 | 4 |
| 1990s | #2861 | 6 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Ayhan
- Alfie 86,546
- Alexander 85,525
- Adam 71,855
- Archie 59,965
- Arthur 43,586
- Aaron 36,366
- Alex 32,729
- Andrew 20,169
- Arlo 19,061
- Aidan 16,776
- Albie 16,017
- Albert 15,809
FAQ
Ayhan: questions and answers
How popular is the name Ayhan in the UK right now?
In 2024, Ayhan was ranked #1322 for boys in England and Wales, with 20 births registered.
When was Ayhan most popular?
The peak year on record was 2024, with 20 babies registered as Ayhan in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Ayhan?
A Turkish masculine name meaning "the light of the moon".
How many people are called Ayhan in the UK?
A total of 105 babies have been registered as Ayhan across the 17 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.