The name Batu is of Turkish origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the word "batı," which means "west" in Turkish. The name gained popularity due to its association with the Seljuk Empire, which was founded by Sultan Alp Arslan and later expanded under his nephew, Sultan Malik-Shah I.
Sultan Malik-Shah had a son named Barkiyaruq, who was known for his bravery and military prowess. When Barkiyaruq was young, he accompanied his father on many campaigns against the Byzantine Empire in the west. On one such campaign, Barkiyaruq displayed exceptional valor and courage, which impressed his father greatly. Malik-Shah reportedly said that his son had proven himself to be a "batı," or a warrior from the west.
The name Batu eventually became associated with this quality of bravery and military prowess, and it was given to many Seljuk rulers and nobles in honor of Barkiyaruq's accomplishments. Today, Batu remains a popular name among Turkish families, carrying with it the proud legacy of the Seljuk Empire and its warriors.
The name Batu has been given to a total of 103 children born in the United States between the years 2003 and 2021, according to available birth records.
The number of babies named Batu has varied from year to year. There were five births in 2003, followed by six births in 2006. The number of births peaked at eight in 2007 and then dipped to five in 2008. After a period of decline, the name's popularity started to rise again, with eleven babies named Batu born in 2010.
From 2012 onwards, there were consistently nine or more births per year until reaching a new peak of twelve births in 2018. However, the trend seems to have decreased slightly since then, with seven births recorded in both 2021 and 2022.
Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Batu has remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States, with an average of about five babies being named Batu each year over the past two decades.