Arda is a name of Turkish origin, derived from the ancient Turkic word "arda," which means "edge" or "limit." It has been used as a given name in Turkey for centuries, often given to boys.
The name Arda has gained some international recognition due to its association with J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. In his works, Arda is the name of the world where the stories take place, created by the god Eru Ilúvatar and the first Valar. However, this usage is not related to the Turkish origin of the name.
Historically, there are several notable figures with the name Arda in Turkey. One of the most famous is Arda Wğn (1936-2018), a prominent Turkish poet and writer known for his avant-garde poetry and novels. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have had a significant impact on Turkish literature.
In Turkish culture, the name Arda has traditionally been considered masculine, but it can also be used as a female name in some cases. It is typically pronounced /ˈarda/ with the stress on the first syllable.
Overall, Arda is a unique and culturally significant name with a rich history in Turkey, carrying the meaning of a boundary or limit. Its association with Tolkien's mythological world has also added to its intrigue and international appeal.
The name Arda experienced a significant increase in popularity from 2006 onwards, with the number of births nearly quadrupling between 2006 and 2007 (from 41 to 23). However, since then, there has been a gradual decline, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 10 births recorded in 2020. Overall, Arda was most popular between 2008 and 2015, with the highest number of births occurring in 2014 (32).