Ulugbek is a male given name of Turkic origin, meaning "great fortune" or "glorious luck". It was borne by several notable historical figures, the most famous being Ulugbek (1394-1449), a Timurid ruler and astronomer who reigned over the Timurid Empire in Central Asia from 1409 to 1449.
Ulugbek was born into the prestigious Timurid dynasty, founded by his grandfather Timur, also known as Tamerlane. He was the eldest son of Shahrukh, the second ruler of the Timurid Empire, and his wife Gauhar Shad Begum. Ulugbek showed an early interest in astronomy and mathematics, which he pursued with great dedication throughout his life.
As a ruler, Ulugbek was known for his enlightened policies and support for arts and sciences. He founded the Samarkand Observatory in 1428-9, which became one of the most advanced astronomical observatories of its time. Ulugbek's observations and calculations led to significant improvements in the accuracy of astronomical tables, particularly those concerning the movements of the planets.
Ulugbek also made contributions to mathematics, with his work on algebra and geometry still being studied today. His most famous mathematical treatise is the "Risala," which contains important results on algebra and trigonometry.
In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Ulugbek was a patron of art and architecture. He commissioned many buildings in Samarkand, including the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, a prestigious Islamic school that still stands today.
Ulugbek's reign came to an abrupt end in 1449 when he was assassinated by his son Abd al-Latif, who had been jealous of Ulugbek's favoritism towards another son, D Movarounkh. Despite this tragic end, Ulugbek's legacy as a great scholar and ruler lives on, with his name and achievements remembered fondly in Central Asia and beyond.
Today, the name Ulugbek continues to be popular among parents in Turkic-speaking countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, where it is seen as a symbol of intelligence, wisdom, and good fortune.
In 2018 and 2019 combined, there were a total of 17 babies named Ulugbek.