Sultan Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SUL-tan //ˈsʌltən//
Origin: Arabic; Turkish
Meaning: Arabic: ruler; Turkish: sovereign
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sultan has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the term "sultān," which means "authority" or "power." This term is derived from the Arabic verb "sāla," meaning "to be powerful" or "to have authority." The use of the term to denote a ruler or sovereign emerged in the Islamic world during the medieval period, particularly as a title for various Muslim leaders and monarchs. The name entered the English language through the Latin "sultānus" and the Old French "sultan," which were used in the context of the Islamic empires that expanded into Europe during the Crusades and later periods of contact between the Islamic and Christian worlds.
Historically, the title of Sultan became prominent in the 10th century, particularly with the rise of the Seljuk Empire, which established a significant political and cultural influence in the Middle East. The title was further popularized by the Ayyubid dynasty, founded by Saladin in the late 12th century, who is renowned for his role in the Crusades.
The term was also used in various contexts across different regions, such as the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, where the title denoted the supreme ruler of the empire. Culturally, the name Sultan carries connotations of leadership, strength, and governance, reflecting the authority associated with its historical usage.
It has been adopted in various cultures influenced by Islamic traditions, often symbolizing nobility and power. The name has also been used in literature and art, representing figures of authority and grandeur.
While diminutive forms or variations may exist in different cultures, the essence of the name remains tied to its original meaning of sovereignty and rule.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Sultan was first seen in the United States in 1966. Sultan has ranked as high as #1209 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Sultan has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Sultan (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 23 | |
| NY | 22 | |
| TX | 20 | |
| MI | 10 | |
| VA | 9 | |
| FL | 9 | |
| IL | 7 | |
| WA | 6 | |
| OH | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 9 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 6 |
| 1973 | 14 |
| 1974 | 20 |
| 1975 | 26 |
| 1976 | 28 |
| 1977 | 17 |
| 1978 | 17 |
| 1979 | 22 |
| 1980 | 15 |
| 1981 | 19 |
| 1982 | 15 |
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 15 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 20 |
| 1989 | 21 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 18 |
| 1993 | 21 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 26 |
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1998 | 32 |
| 1999 | 27 |
| 2000 | 22 |
| 2001 | 40 |
| 2002 | 34 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 18 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 55 |
| 2013 | 49 |
| 2014 | 58 |
| 2015 | 70 |
| 2016 | 98 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 102 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 109 |
| 2022 | 145 |
| 2023 | 128 |
| 2024 | 151 |