FIRST NAMES ARE NOT JUST FIRST NAMES
Did you know that most Armenian names that end in "ian" or "yan," mean the "son of"? Armenian names generally fall into five categories: aristocracy, parent, geography, occupation, or trait. Many last names today have been shortened or modified for various reasons; some to aid pronunciation by non-Armenians, others drop the "ian" for personal reasons. See What's in your Name for more information.

The study of Armenian first names is also fascinating since virtually every aspect of our culture is reflected in them. If you wish to have your name listed, click here and send it to us together with its meaning.

GIRLS NAMES

AGHAVNI Armenian; "pigeon, dove"
ANAHID Armenian version of Diana. An Ancient Godess in Armenian Mythology
ANI Name of an ancient Armenian capital City
ANOUSH Armenian; "Sweet"
ARPIE Armenian; "rising of sun"
BERJOUIE Armenian; "gorgeous, elegant lady"
DEROUHI Armenian; "Lady of the house"
DZOVIG Armenian; "small sea"
GADAR Armenian; "apex, top of a mountain, perfect pure"
GAYANE Martyred Nun of Armenian Church. Cathedral built in name
HRIPSIME Martyred Nun of Armenian Church. Cathedral built in name
HOURIG Armenian; "small fire"
HAIGANOUSH Armenian; "sweet Armenian woman"
SATENIG Armenian; "An Armenian Princess"
SURPOOHIE Armenian: "sacred or holy women"
SIRANOUSH Armenian ; "Lovely woman"
SIRVART Armenian: "dear rose, lovely rose"
SOSSY Armenian; "the plane tree"
TAKOUHI Armenian; "Queen, wearer of a crown"
TALINE Name of an old old Armenian monastery
VARTOUHI Armenian; "beautiful as a rose"
VOSKIE Armenian; "gold"
   

BOYS NAMES

ANTRANIG Armenian; the oldest; the first born; coming first
ARA Name of legendary Armenian King and hero, Ara Keghetzig (Handsome)
ARAKEL Armenian; "to send"
ARAM Armenian; "Father of King Ara"
AVEDIS Armenian; good tidings, bringer of Good news
BAGHDASSAR Armenian version of Balthasar; one of three wise Kings
BEDROS Armenian version of Peter
CARNIG Armenian; "small lamb"
DICKRAN The great King of Armenia
DIRAN Armenian; "one who rules"
GARABED Armenian; "Caravan Leader, pioneer"
KEVORK Armenian version of George
GHOUGAS Armenian; version of Luke
GOMIDAS Armenian; a famous musician and Clergyman
HAGOP Armenian ; version of Jack or Jacob
HAIG Legendary Armenian Patriarch and hero
JIRAIR Armenian; strong and active working man
KHACHIG Armenian; "small cross"
KHAJAG Armenian; "one who has blue eyes; also beautiful flower"
KRIKOR Armenian form of Gregory. Krikor was the first Christian leader
LEVON Armenian version of Leon; "Lion-like"
MANOOG Armenian; "small child, infant"
NISHAN Armenian; "Cross, mark, sign"
PAPKEN "A Catholicos of Armenian Church"
RAZMIG Armenian. "A soldier; one who fights a battle"
SARKIS Armenian version of Sergius, (to serve)
VAHAN Armenian; "Shield"
YERVANT An Armenian King
ZAVEN Armenian version of Savinus, or Savin