Reyhan

Reyhan is a term of Turkish and Persian origin meaning basil, the aromatic herb. In Turkish it is a common noun for the herb and also a given name; in Persian, ریحان refers to basil and is used as a feminine given name.

The word derives from Arabic rayḥān (ريحان) meaning fragrant herb; through Persian it entered Turkish as reyhan. Variants include Rihan, Rayhan, Reyhaan, and Rayhaan, depending on transliteration and language.

As a given name, Reyhan is used in Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and other Persian- and Turkic-speaking communities; it conveys associations with fragrance, vitality, and nature. The herb basil is widely used in regional cuisines and traditional remedies, contributing to the cultural resonance of the name.

In toponymy and media, Reyhan appears in place names and in artistic works in the region, illustrating its cultural presence across various countries and languages. The term also appears in contemporary brand names and literary references, reflecting its enduring associations with scent and greenery.

See also: basil; rayhan.