Oraz
Masculine
Kazakh, Turkmen
Meaning & Origin
Oraz is a masculine given name used in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. It derives from the Persian word roze ( روزه ), meaning "fasting, Ramadan", and is akin to the Azerbaijani and Turkish names Oruc and Oruç. The name directly references the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.Cultural SignificanceIn Central Asian Muslim societies, names invoking religious practices are common. Oraz reflects the importance of Ramadan as a time of spiritual reflection, charity, and community. The name also appears with slight variations in other Turkic languages; for instance, Oraz is also found among Kazakhs in western China and Mongolia. Due to Soviet-era secularization, many traditional names like Oraz experienced a revival after the dissolution of the USSR, particularly in independent Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.UsageOraz remains moderately popular in both countries, often given to boys born during Ramadan or as a way to honor Islamic heritage. It is rarely used outside Central Asian communities.Meaning: Fasting, RamadanOrigin: PersianType: Given nameUsage Regions: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan