Origin
Turkish origin, derived from 'Koru', meaning 'growth' or 'young shoot'. The name 'Koray' is popular in Turkey and has gained recognition in Australia through multicultural communities. It is also used in some Greek contexts, linked to the moon, from the Greek 'Kore' meaning 'maiden' or 'girl'. In Australia, the name is relatively modern and part of the diverse naming landscape contributing to multicultural integration.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'Moon' or 'Heaven's moon' in Turkish, symbolising growth, renewal, and serenity. In Australian English contexts, it often connotes a connection to nature, celestial beauty, or a modern, global identity.
Pronunciation
/koˈraɪ/ (koh-rye) — stress on the second syllable, with 'k' as in 'kite' and 'i' as in 'eye'. Australian pronunciation may slightly soften the 'r' sound.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Koray (Turkish)
- Coray (less common variant)
- Kore (Greek influence, meaning 'maiden' or 'girl')
Nicknames
- Kory
- Rai
Name Days
- First Saturday of May (Turkish Name Day)
- 15 July (Greek Name Day for the Transfiguration of Christ)
- No fixed Australian-specific celebration, shared with multicultural communities.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with koray:
- Alex and Sam (popular unisex pairings in Australia)
- Lily and Jack (complementary traditional Australian names)
- Noor and Jamie (inclusive, multicultural pairings)
Fun Facts
- Koray is a popular name among Turkish diaspora families in Australia, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
- The name 'Koray' can be found on Australian social media profiles, indicating a growing recognition in public consciousness.
- In Australian astrology, moon-related names like Koray are sometimes associated with intuitive and artistic personality traits.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name koray:
- creative
- intuitive
- adaptable
- nature-connected
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a smooth visual symmetry with rounded letters, giving it a modern and appealing aesthetic in Australian print and digital media. The name's celestial connotation also grants it poetic visual associations.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban multicultural areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, especially among families with Turkish, Greek, or Middle Eastern heritage.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 in numerology, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, which suits creative and artistic personalities in Australian contexts.
Astrological Connections
Linked to the moon in astrology, associated with emotional sensitivity and imagination, qualities valued by some in Australian creative and spiritual communities.
Historical Context
The name Koray gained prominence through Turkish celebrities and athletes, which influenced its recognition in Australia. It is also used in creative and artistic Australian circles. Notable bearers include Australian-born children of Turkish descent and multicultural artists.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts easily across languages, generally retaining its phonetic integrity; transliteration is minimal, primarily to alphabetic scripts in Latin-based languages.
Famous People Named koray
- Koray Avci (Australian-Turkish footballer)
- Koray S CR (Australian musician of Turkish descent)
- Koray Gökçebay (emerging artist in Australia)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |