Great leader or supreme ruler
Derived from the Old Turkish elements 'or' meaning 'great' or 'high' and 'han' meaning 'ruler' or 'leader'. It was famously borne by Orhan Gazi, the second sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who significantly expanded the state. The name remains a distinguished choice in Turkey and among the Turkish diaspora.
Less common today
Orhan isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,766 in 2025.
Nobel Prize-winning novelist of 'My Name is Red'
Second Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
Turkish professional footballer and manager
Influential Turkish musician and composer
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
