Mehtap is a Turkish feminine given name derived directly from the Turkish word mehtap, meaning “moonlight.” The name is a Turkish form of the Persian Mahtab, which carries the same meaning—a poetic reference to the light of the moon often used in classical Persian and Ottoman literature.
The name reflects a broader tradition in Turkish onomastics of adapting Persian compound names and natural-world concepts into local usage. During the Ottoman era, Persian was a language of high culture, and many poetic terms entered Turkish naming practices. Mehtap evokes the serene beauty of moonlit nights, a recurring theme in Turkish folk songs and poetry.
Today, Mehtap remains a recognizable albeit moderately common female name in Turkey. It exemplifies a class of nature-inspired names that appeal to both traditional and modern sensibilities, maintaining a timeless quality without feeling dated.
Key Facts
- Meaning: “moonlight” (in Turkish)
- Origin: Persian via Turkish adoption
- Type: Given name
- Usage Regions: Turkey
Sources: Wiktionary — Mehtap