Handan

A jubilant name with a long history of use, Handan ultimately comes from the Persian root khandīdan, meaning "to laugh, smile". The name was notably borne by Handan Sultan, the 16th-century consort of Ottoman ruler Mehmed III. Also the mother to Ahmed I, she was a politically influential figure and acted as her son's regent, helping to develop a strong government structure and abolishing a law which permitted fratricide.

Not to be confused with the Chinese city of Handan (which means "city at the terminus of Mount Han" for those interested), Handan is a familiar name in Turkey, more recently borne by footballer Handan Kurğa and Paralympian archer Handan Biroğlu

The name Hande shares the same root.

Pronounced hahn-DAHN.