What does Koray mean and where does it come from?
Koray is a Turkish name that combines 'kor' meaning 'ember' or 'burning' with 'ay' meaning 'moon', signifying 'the one who shines like the moon.' It is a popular name in Turkey and reflects both beauty and brightness. The name has been used notably in Turkish literature and culture.
Cultural significance
Koray has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Turkey-speaking communities, where it reflects values of moonlight; bright moon.
Peak popularity
Reached #7262 in 1984 — currently #9176 in the US.
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Related Reading
Turkey-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Koray?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Koray?
Koray works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Koray Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Koray Rose
Floral · soft ending
Koray Mae
Sweet · timeless
Koray Claire
French influence · crisp
Koray Jane
Literary · strong
Koray Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Koray right now?
Rising fast — up 993 spots — currently #9176 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #8952 | 8 | ▲ up 993 · +14% births |
| 2015 | #9945 | 7 | ▼ down 2586 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #7359 | 10 | ▲ up 2336 · +67% births |
| 2000 | #9695 | 6 | ▼ down 676 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #9019 | 5 | — |
The story of Koray
Koray is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1984. With 130 total births recorded, Koray remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9019 in 1990 to #8952 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Koray in 1984:
Koray by decade
Koray peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 11 | |
| 1990s | 11 | |
| 2000s ★ | 54 | |
| 2010s | 46 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Koray has only 130 total recorded births since 1984 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Koray?
What names sound and feel like Koray?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Koray also consider these
Common questions about the name Koray
What does the name Koray mean?
Koray means "moonlight; bright moon" — a name rooted in Turkey tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Koray?
Koray is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Koray?
Koray originates from Turkey tradition. Turkey names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Koray?
Koray is a two-syllable name pronounced K OW1 R EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Koray a common or rare name?
Koray is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.