Unisex name · Turkish
Ilkay
“new moon, first crescent”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Ilkay.
Explore Ilkay further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Ilkay — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Ilkay is Turkish ilk (first) plus ay (moon), the first moon of the month — the same crescent Arabic calls hilal, named from the other end of the idea. Turkish builds a great many names this way, from transparent everyday words rather than inherited roots.
It is given to both girls and boys in Turkey. The footballer Ilkay Gundogan has made it recognisable across Europe. It has no US ranking, and the kay ending gives English speakers an easy landing.
Kay is the short form and a name on its own. Two syllables want two or three (Ilkay Deniz, Ilkay Selin). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist with a Celestial meaning.
More Turkish names
Ilkay sits in our Turkish set — these share its roots.
All Turkish names →Ilkay — common questions
Is Ilkay a boy or girl name?
Ilkay is a unisex name — it is given to boys and girls alike, and we list it that way (Turkish origin).
What does the name Ilkay mean?
Ilkay means “new moon, first crescent” of Turkish origin. Ilkay is Turkish ilk (first) plus ay (moon), the first moon of the month — the same crescent Arabic calls hilal, named from the other end of the idea. Turkish builds a great many names this way, from transparent everyday words rather than inherited roots.
Where does the name Ilkay come from?
Ilkay is Turkish in origin. It is given to both girls and boys in Turkey. The footballer Ilkay Gundogan has made it recognisable across Europe. It has no US ranking, and the kay ending gives English speakers an easy landing.
What are common nicknames for Ilkay?
Ilk and Kay — the short-forms parents most often use for Ilkay.
How popular is Ilkay?
Ilkay did not make the top 1,000 boys' or girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Ilkay you might want for the nursery.