Armenian Names

Simple and yet distinctive, Ara is a mythological name of a famously handsome king. Although it originated as a boys' name, in the contemporary US, it's now much more commonly used for girls.

Levon, an unusual alternative to Levi. has two musical associations: it's the title of an Elton John song, inspired by late, great drummer for The Band, Levon Helm--whose birth name was Mark. Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke chose Levon for their son.

Ara is a unique boys' name that one of the most melodious in the Armenian name pool, familiarized by Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian. In Armenian mythology, Ara was a king so handsome that a rival queen went to war in order to make him her own. The name Ara is also known in the Arabic and Hebrew cultures.

Aram is a popular Armenian name with a pleasing sound that became known in this country through the works of William Saroyan, namely the 1940 book of short stories, My Name in Aram, centering on Aram Garoghlanian, a boy of Armenian descent growing up in Fresno, California. Saroyan also named his son Aram.

Strong and appealing Armenian choice, but could be confused with Owen.

The name of Armenia's largest lake is popular for boys in France -- Sevan is in the boys' Top 500 -- but can also be used for girls.

This name is growing in popularity, partly because of its tie to hipster musician Sufjan Stevens; is also related to Abu Sufyan, a figure from early Islamic history.

Arda is a simple gender-neutral name with several possible origins and meanings. As a Turkish name, it's usually used for males and means scepter. There is also a river in Turkey called the Arda. The Hebrew name Arda means bronze. And Arda may also be a variation of the English Arden, the name of a magical Shakespearean forest.

The dashing Zabel -- or its Frenchified variation Zabelle -- was the name of a 13th century ruling queen of Armenia. In this modern era ruled again by the name Isabella and Isabel, Zabel provides a fresh and lively spin.

Zabelle and Zabel are fresh (to us) and ancient forms of Isabel, making zippy variations for modern lovers of that ancient name who feel the original is overexposed.

Fairly common Armenian first and last name.

An entrancing, beguiling name that goes far to freshen up Sarah.

This very popular Armenian name represents a grandson of Noah, considered the father of the Armenian nation.

Plausible literary name to honor upbeat Armenian-American playwright and prose writer William Saroyan.

A gentle name well used in Armenian families, unfamiliar here.

Interesting on paper, though most people would confuse it with the word peruse.