Armenia is associated with the Caucasus, good wines and long, ornate toasts. Here is stony soil, giving generous fruits to its inhabitants. Armenia is the oldest and greatest culture of Urartu, the heiress of ancient Anatolia and the very first state that adopted Christianity. To date, 95% of the total population profess this faith.
Armenian names, male and female, are a mirror image of the history of a people that survived many conquerors and wandered around the world for a long time. Therefore, many names are borrowed, but adapted to their own language. An interesting fact is that, despite the long stay under the yoke of the Turks, the Armenians did not take over their names.
National features
Some names in Armenia are called both men and women, for example, Armen is male, and Armenui is female.
Most of the surnames of Armenians end in “-yan” or “-yanz” and reflect belonging to a particular genus. For example, a beautiful Armenian male name Sargsyan - that is, from the Sarkis clan.
The country still uses generic names that are not indicated in official documents, but are used in everyday life. Such names are given by occupation or nickname.
National names
This group includes the names that were previously worn by the gods, kings and generals. The most popular Armenian male names in this category include:
- Ashot. Translated as "the hope of this world." But if interpreted according to Turkic etymology, the name means "not afraid of fire." In the Middle Ages, Ashot was a very popular name, but with Islamization it almost disappeared from the languages ​​of the Caucasus, remaining only among Christian Armenians. Boys with this name have leadership qualities, but are too touchy. They have a good imagination and do nothing against their will.
- Vardan. There are many versions of the origin of this name. According to one of them, it appeared from the so-called Vardapet monks, and in this version it translates as “reward”. Boys with such names are characterized as adherents of foundations and traditions, hard to perceive something new. Men can get involved in archeology and history. Marry early and love their wives.
- Tigran. This name was carried by several Armenian kings, is present in the epic "Vipasank". There is a version that it is nevertheless borrowed from the Persians and translated as "possessing the power of a tiger." As a rule, these are curious boys, but with age they become more sedate and ask witty questions less. At the same time, they remain quite emotional and open to the whole world. Depending on the situation, a man with that name can be gentle, like the most affectionate kitten, and strong, like a tiger. Usually, regardless of the chosen field of activity, Tigers succeed.

Derived Names
This is a fairly large group of Armenian male names, derived from the name of precious stones, planets, holidays and stars. For example, Arev - in the mythology of the ancient Armenians is the personification of the Sun. Depicted as a young man who radiates light. In a figurative sense, the name means "life."
There are names that derive from the descriptive characteristics of flora and fauna, from household names. They were given in order to see certain qualities in the child in the future, that is, they were chosen quite consciously. For example, Patvakan, that is, “venerable”, Zhirair - “lively”. The name Garnik - “sacrificial” or “led to the fire”, has no analogues in other languages.
A number of names have the ending "-air", which means "man." An adjective is put before the end, which should characterize the name holder. But such names are found less and less.
Borrowed
The three-thousand-year history of the people greatly expanded the list of Armenian male names. First of all, these are the names of the common Christian saints - David and Solomon. There are many analogues adapted to the Armenian way, for example, Johann became Hovhanness.
Some names are not taken from the Bible, but have a religious background. For example, Khachatur is translated as “sent down by the Holy Cross”, and Arakel is “apostle”. Many adopted names in the Persians, such as Suren.
An interesting borrowing occurred during the period when Armenia was part of the USSR. Diminutively affectionate forms of Russian names took root in the country: Yurik, Volodya, Zhora. At the same time, names appeared that were famous people of the world, even their names - Karl, Roosevelt and Engels. And at a time when the borders of the state were opened, names began to appear that are characteristic of the peoples of Western Europe: Hamlet, Henry and Edward.
Armenian male names, alphabetical list
Acharyan Rachia, who composed a five-volume book entitled “Dictionary of Armenian personal names”, made a great contribution to the study of this issue. Rachiya conducted fundamental research on this issue, in the book you can find not only the name, but also its meaning, the history of occurrence.
A short list of the most common Armenian male names:
Azat is free Amayak - the highest spirit Aram - noble Armen - the spirit of the Aryans Arthur - the light of truth | Bagram - the happiness of love Barkhudar - reverent in power Barseg - influential Babken is a sage Bagish - rapture of happiness | Vardan - reward Wardges - king of the country Vardwan - Defender Wasak - the light of the eyes Vramshapuh - the oath |
Garnik - led to the fire Gaspard the Liberator Gurgen - knowledge from a spiritual teacher Gagik - Heavenly Grant - The Holy Book | David - the giver of knowledge Jivan - the living embodiment of the soul Derenik - church student Jirair - active Davtak is a favorite | Yervand - holy veneration Yranik - blessed Erdzhanik - happy Egiazar - the one whom God helps Egan - a descendant of a noble family |
Zhirair - a living aria | Zatik - Easter Zinvor is a warrior Zaven - well-mannered Zoravar - commander Zurab - Divine | Emil - hardworking Erjanik - happy Edward - the guardian of wealth |
Karen is an elephant, generous Karlen is a man Karapet - the sun Kaitzak - Lightning Ktrich - Lord | Levon is a lion Ler - rock Lorenz - a resident of Lawrence Lorik - Quail | Migran - face of the sun Mesrop - arrow of the moon Markar - the noble way Musheg - magnificent Marzpet - the chief |
Nubar - Praise Navasard - the first month of the Armenian calendar Narek - in honor of the saint X century Nver - a gift Norayr - a new man | Oganes - fiery | Parunak - a piece of God Pogos - guy Parkev - reward Petros - stone Patvakan - honor to youth |
Rachia - creation | Sagatel is a sign of power Saro - powerful Sargis - powerful by nature Saco - Divine Santur - holy light | Tatos - Paternal Toros - assertive Tiran - Sacred Face Trdat - granted by the Gods Tatul - joy for father |
Popular
Today, the five popular Armenian male names include:
- Eric, or the "eternal ruler";
- Hayk, in honor of the mythical Armenian ancestor;
- Narek, in honor of the ancient Armenian holy city;
- Horus, or "formidable."
Borrowed modern
Popular, borrowed, and modern Armenian male names include:
- David, a name of Hebrew origin and meaning "favorite." Usually these are calm and balanced men, pragmatic and possessing willpower.
- Raphael, also the Hebrew name of one of the seven archangels. Boys are very persistent and emotional.
- Alain, of French descent, meaning the need to dominate everywhere and always. Men are not afraid to compete, even if they know that they are weaker.
- Albert, Old German, translated as "brilliant." Men are usually secretive and self-confident.