Nilay

girlTurkish

Nilay is a Muslim girl name meaning “Moonlight on the water; Nile moon”.

MeaningMoonlight on the water; Nile moon
GenderGirl
OriginTurkish
Pronunciationnee-LIGH
Muslim name?Used by Muslims

Meaning and origin of Nilay

Nilay is a modern Turkish girl's name. It is usually explained as a blend of Nil (the Nile) and ay (moon), and families often describe it as the reflection of the moon on the water. It became popular in Turkey in the late twentieth century, alongside names like Nilgün and Nilüfer.

Is Nilay a Muslim name?

Yes. Nilay is used by Muslim families in Turkey. It is a Turkish name rather than an Arabic or Quranic one.

Where is the name Nilay used?

Common in Turkey and among Turkish families in Europe.

Gifts with the name Nilay

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Spellings and variants of Nilay

Nilai

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More girl names like Nilay

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Nilay mean?

Nilay means 'Moonlight on the water; Nile moon'. It comes from Turkish.

Is Nilay a Muslim name?

Yes. Nilay is used by Muslim families in Turkey. It is a Turkish name rather than an Arabic or Quranic one.

How do you pronounce Nilay?

Nilay is pronounced nee-LIGH.

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.