Feminine of ArmenĪrmig – 1.short for Armine. Mountain in ArmeniaĪrmenouhi – Armenian woman. Formerly called ArpaĪrkina – was a small city or district in medieval Armenia located near Ani.Īrin/Areen – assumed to be from Arun meaning bloodĪrmani – Armenian woman. My creation for children of couples who met through ANCA!Īrakil (Ah-rah-keel), Արաքիլ -stork, the birdĪraksya/Araxia, Արաքսիա – variation of AraxĪrax / Araxie (Ah-rox, Ah-roxie), Արաքս/ Արաքսի – a river in Armenia, national river for ArmeniansĪraz – used interchangeably for one of the largest rivers in the Caucasus, Arax River, with one of its borders being Armenia.Īrda – unknown origin, granddaughter of Roupen !, known as the King of CiliciaĪreni – A village in Armenia famous for it’s wine. Roots are German or IrishĪmasia – A village and rural community in the Shirakprovince of ArmeniaĪnahid/Ano – goddess of Armenian mythology representing family and fertilityĪnca – Armenian National Committee of America. (This is NOT a sponsored ad for the book nor the stores.)Īlice/Alis/Alisa/Alisia/Alicia – modern variation of Alidz.Īlin/Aline – Bearer or transporter of Light. Even if some of their products cost a few dollars more, consider it a small contribution to the preservation of Armenian culture. Abril and Sardarabad Bookstores are essential businesses in providing invaluable resources for Armenians in the diaspora to learn about and share Armenian history, language, and culture. Please consider supporting local, small businesses. The link I’m including is from Abril Bookstore in Glendale, California but it is also available at Sardarabad Bookstore, likewise in Glendale. This book is wonderful because it has 1,500 names and includes their Armenian spellings as well. My biggest source of information was Ohannes Hannessian’s Dictionary of Armenian Names. If you feel there need to be any corrections or there are names I’ve missed, please email me and let me know. I have also included words which I personally thought would make great new names. I’m just fascinated by it, and it’s why I’ve lovingly spent months researching the names and their roots listed here. Please note that I’m not an expert in this field. And I say, “What’s wrong with that?” Guiding a person to pronounce your name correctly creates interest, and opens the door for conversations which in turn create empathy. I have heard over and over again that one of the reasons that Armenian names are passed over is that they are hard to pronounce for non-Armenians. I have researched, sourced, and actually created some names that I feel are beautiful and modern, as a resource for new parents to revive this part of our important traditions – by being able to access the resulting list of names for free, and finding inspiration in it. This has become a very important mission for me too, as I strive to carry on his legacy. My father was very adamant that Armenian children should be given authentic Armenian names. It becomes the first step in teaching them where their ancestors come from and instills pride in their ethnicity. Yet the fact is that giving a child a name that has ethnic roots ties them to their heritage. Modern parents are opting for more universal names when it comes to naming their babies. One of the most overlooked traditions which has been on the verge of extinction for Armenians in the diaspora has been the naming of Armenian names. A crucial aspect of a race’s survival is upholding traditions and passing them down to future generations.