OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Armenian Name Generator
Armenian First Names With -ian and -yan Surnames, Classic and Modern
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How the Armenian Name Generator works
This Armenian name generator gives traditional Armenian first names, such as Tigran, Narek, Ani and Lilit, with family names built the Armenian way, ending in -yan or -ian. Use it for characters, baby name ideas and learning how Armenian surnames work.
How the Armenian name generator builds surnames
Most Armenian surnames end in -yan or -ian, which means son of or belonging to. The root is often a father's or ancestor's first name, like Petrosyan from Petros or Hakobyan from Hakob, or a trade or title. Families in the Republic of Armenia usually spell the ending -yan, while families of the western diaspora, in places like Lebanon, France and the United States, usually write -ian, as in Sarkissian. A smaller group of old names end in -ents or -unts.
Armenian first names
Armenian first names come from several layers. Some are pre-Christian, from kings and gods: Tigran, Vahagn, Aram, Hayk and Astghik. Others came with Christianity in the fourth century, often Armenian forms of biblical names such as Hovhannes for John or Hakob for Jacob. Modern favourites include Narek, Davit, Mariam and Nare.
Ter- and other prefixes
A surname that starts with Ter-, like Ter-Grigoryan, shows descent from a married priest, since Ter is the title of an Armenian priest. For neighbouring cultures, try the Georgian name generator and the Persian name generator.
FAQ
Why do Armenian last names end in -ian?
The ending -ian or -yan means son of or from the family of, so Petrosyan means the family of Petros. It works like the English -son or the Scottish Mac-, and it makes most Armenian surnames easy to recognise.
What is the difference between -yan and -ian?
They are the same ending spelled two ways. Armenians from the Republic of Armenia, which used Russian transliteration, tend to write -yan, while western diaspora families usually write -ian.
Is Karen a man's name in Armenian?
Yes. Karen is a common Armenian boy's name, stressed on the second syllable, ka-REN. It has no link to the English girl's name and is one of the names that often surprises English speakers.
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