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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ilkay

Ilkay

♂ Boy

Pronounced IL-ky /ˈɪl.kaɪ/Medium

Meaning: From Turkish, Ilkay combines ilk ('first') and ay ('moon'), meaning 'new moon' or 'first moon.' A poetic heritage name, noted here respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A poetic Turkish name: Ilkay means 'new moon' — first moon (said 'IL-ky'). Lyrical and celestial.
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Origin MediumTurkish
MeaningFrom Turkish, Ilkay combines ilk ('first') and ay ('moon'), meaning 'new moon' or 'first moon.' A poetic heritage name, noted here respectfully.
U.S. rank (2024)#12965 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 17

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202220212024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ilkay is a Turkish name built from ilk, 'first,' and ay, 'moon' — 'new moon' or 'first moon.' Poetic and celestial, it is used across Turkey for boys and girls and is noted here respectfully (said 'IL-ky').

In the U.S. it is rare. Rare, heritage-rooted, and lyrical.

Did you know? Ilkay joins the Turkish ilk ('first') and ay ('moon') to mean 'new moon' or 'first moon' — a lyrical celestial name, noted respectfully (said 'IL-ky').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Ilkay — Turkish ilk 'first' + ay 'moon'; noted respectfully

Variations

IlkaiIlkey

Nicknames

IlKay

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ilkay…

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Explore names like Ilkay

By themeheritagecelestialturkishlyrical
By meaningMoon

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ilkay mean?

Ilkay is a Turkish name from ilk ('first') and ay ('moon'), meaning 'new moon' or 'first moon.'

How do you pronounce Ilkay?

It's said IL-ky /ˈɪl.kaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ilkay a boy or girl name?

Ilkay is used here as a boy's name, though it is unisex in Turkey.

How popular is Ilkay?

Ilkay is a rare name in the U.S.

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