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Nuri
Pronounced NOO-ree /ˈnuː.riː/Medium
Meaning: My lightMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Nuri comes from Arabic, where nur means light, so the name carries the warm, personal sense of my light. It is used across Arabic-speaking and neighboring cultures, including Turkish, as both a given name and a family name. The light meaning gives it a bright, hopeful quality.
Bearers include Turkish-German footballer and manager Nuri Şahin and acclaimed Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, a Palme d'Or winner. Their use of the name shows how comfortably it works across the wider region.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Nuri Şahin (1988–present)Turkish-German footballer and manager.
- ★Nuri Bilge Ceylan (1959–present)Turkish film director, Palme d'Or winner.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Nuri mean?
Nuri is usually explained as meaning 'my light' and is most often linked with Arabic tradition.
How do you pronounce Nuri?
It's commonly said NOO-ree /ˈnuː.riː/.
Is Nuri a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Nuri is used as a girl name.
How popular is Nuri?
In 2024, Nuri ranked #2493 in the U.S. for girls, with 72 births recorded.