Kemal is a Turkish and Bosnian male given name of Arabic origin, derived from Kamal, meaning "perfection" or "integrity" in Arabic. It is most famously associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938), the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, who adopted the name Kemal in his youth. Atatürk's use of the name imbued it with national significance in Turkey. Etymology The name Kemal derives from the Arabic word kamāl (كمال), meaning "perfection, completeness, integrity." It is a direct borrowing through Ottoman Turkish, where it was spelled as كمال (Kemāl) or archaically as Kamâl. The root Kamal is used across the Islamic world, often as a personal name. In Turkish, the spelling was standardized to Kemal after the language reform. Historical and Cultural Significance Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, often referred to simply as "Kemal," is the most prominent bearer of the name. He led the Turkish War of Independence and implemented sweeping reforms that modernized Turkey. His name is so emblematic that "Kemal" is often treated as an honorific. Beyond Atatürk, the name is also widespread among communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting Ottoman influence in the Balkans. Notable bearers in the arts and politics include, from the given names list, Bosnian footballer Kemal Alispahić, Turkish actor Kemal Başar, and musician Erhan Kemal Belkıs. Distribution Kemal is predominantly used in Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as among diaspora communities. Its variant spellings include Kamel in Arabic, Qemal in Albanian, and Kəmal in Azerbaijani, reflecting the name's adaptation across different phonologies. Notable Bearers From the Wikipedia extract: Kemal Akbaba (Turkish footballer), Kemal Arıkan (Turkish diplomat), Kemal Bokhary (Hong Kong judge), Kemal Curić (Bosnian automaker). Additionally, Kemal is also a surname in English, notably in the case of Yvette Kemal. Key Facts Meaning: Yeterlik, mükemmellik (Turkish: perfection) Origin: Arabic Type: First name (masculine) Usage regions: Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkans