Celal

Celal is a masculine given name of Turkish origin. It derives from the Arabic jalāl, meaning majesty, splendor, or grandeur. In Turkish, the name is commonly used as a standalone given name and has appeared in various historical and modern contexts. Spelling variants include Celâl, reflecting Turkish orthography with a diacritic mark, though Celal is the more widely used form in contemporary writing.

In Turkish naming tradition, Celal is part of a broader class of names that draw on attributes associated with virtue, power, or spiritual significance. The name has been borne by figures in politics, science, arts, and public life, reflecting its enduring presence in Turkish-speaking communities. Its use is primarily concentrated in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities.

Notable individuals named Celal include Celal Bayar, a prominent Turkish statesman who served as the fifth president of Turkey from 1950 to 1960 and helped found the Democrat Party. Another well-known bearer is Celal Şengör, a Turkish geologist and academic who has contributed to the field and to scientific discourse in Turkey and beyond. The name remains in active use in modern Turkey and among Turkish communities, continuing to carry its traditional associations with dignity and prominence.

See also notes: Celal is primarily a given name and should not be confused with surnames or place names. Variants such as Celâl reflect different orthographic conventions but share the same root meaning.