Meral

Meral is a feminine name with Turkish origins, meaning 'deer' or 'gazelle,' symbolizing grace, gentleness, and beauty. The name is relatively common in Turkey but remains rare in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality while still being straightforward to pronounce. Meral has connections to nature and wildlife, appealing to parents drawn to names with natural symbolism. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation make it practical across cultural boundaries. In Turkish culture, the deer metaphor carries connotations of elegance and quiet strength. Meral offers a cross-cultural option that maintains its authentic roots while working well internationally, representing a balance between uniqueness and accessibility.

Pronounced MER-ahl.

As of October 2026, Meral ranked #7033 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #5408 in 2018.