10 Armenian Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Kyle Steed via Dribbble

Back for round two of Armenian names! It's the boys' turn this week, and I've got a great list of names today (many that you've probably never even heard of). So let's get right to it! Tell me in the comments: What's your favorite Armenian name for a boy?

Armen- Armen is a handsome name that has roots in both Armenia and Russia. In Russia he is a variant of the names Armand and Herman, but in Armenia, he comes from the name of the country.

Haro- Haro is a multicultural surname name that's more popular in Armenia as a first. Not much information is known about the Armenian form, but he may come from Harout, which in turn is derived from Harutyun.

Levon- Impeccably stylish Levon should be all the rage right now, but instead he's an under-the-radar choice. Blogger Petite Biet has a son named Levon. If you name your son Levon, he will share his name with Armenian royalty and an Elton John song.

Narek- Narek comes from the name of an Armenian town which nowadays falls in modern Turkey. The name is sometimes translated as Nareg in Western Armenia, but I think most American parents will prefer the former.

Ohan- Ohan is the Armenian form of John. He'd be the perfect choice for an Armenian-American boy--Ohan has a modern sound and is fresh to American ears, yet has old-world Armenian roots. How perfect!

Sahak- Do you love Isaac? It's hard not to. He's an undisputably great name, but that leads to high rankings (Isaac is at #31). However, Sahak--Isaac's Armenian variation--is practically unheard of in the US. He shares all the same sounds with his Hebrew cousin, but not the popularity. That makes Sahak an A+ choice.

Sourin- Although the two are unrelated, Armenian Sourin is very similar to Scandinavian Soren. The latter is quite trendy right now, making Sourin a good alternative. Unlike Soren, Sourin's pronunciation puts the stress on the second syllable. 

Sufjan- You may have heard of Sufjan Stevens, the American folk hipster rocker, but I bet you didn't know his name was Armenian. Sufjan is actually a variant of Sufyan, which is also used in Arabic culture. Either spelling is usable for a baby boy.

Toros- Toros is the Armenian form of Theodore, although he may remind people of the Spanish word for bull, "toro." He may be confused for Taurus (not coincidentally the constellation of the bull). If you prefer classic names with unusual nicknames, you can call your little Theodore--or Thelonius--Toros.

Zako- Zack may be out of fashion, but Zako feels energetic and fresh. He's an Armenian name, as well as a Hungarian version of Zachariah. He works as both a full name and a nickname, so take your pick!

10 Armenian Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Tasha Mozgodum via Dribbble

I hate to break it to you, but Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe aren't Armenian names. However, that's about the breadth of most Americans' knowledge on the subject. Let's change that, shall we? I've got 10 great Armenian names for girls today--all of them would be equally stunning on an Armenian-American (or any!) baby.

Aghavni- Callum, Paloma, Jemima--add Aghavni to the list of names meaning "dove." This gorgeous Armenian name fits her peaceful harbinger definition. Aghavni definitely embodies a tranquil spirit.

Anahid- Anahid comes from the Persian mythological name Anahita--the goddess of fertility, healing, wisdom, and water. Anahid is typically used in Western Armenia, while Anahit is more common in Eastern Armenia. Both are quite common in their preferred regions.

Anoush- Anoush is a very charming name (and in fact means "sweet"). With the similar-sounding Anouk gaining favor among taste-makers and trendsetters, Anoush (or her alternate spelling Anush) seems like a top-notch alternative. For all you music-enthusiasts, Anoush is the name of a 1912 opera by Armen Tigranian.

Arda- Arda is a Hebrew-Armenian unisex name, although, if you're going to use it on an American baby, it might be best on a daughter. It's also used in Turkey, but as a strictly male name. One famous historical Arda is Arda of Armenia, Queen of Jerusalem.

Lusine- Lusine is a stunning name that would be just perfect on a 2016 baby. She's a very creative way to get to the every-girl nickname Lucy--much more unexpected compared to Lucille and Lucia. Lusine means "moon," and can also be spelled Lucine.

Maral- The lovely Armenian name Maral means deer, as in the Caspian Red Deer that is native to Armenia. That makes Capsian or Casper a fun brother name, or, if you're into anagrams, how about Lamar?

Shoushan- As you may be able to tell, Shoushan shares roots with such names as Shoshana and Susan. Like her sisters, she means "lily," making Shoushan the perfect name for a springtime daughter.

Siran- Siran is a diminutive of Siranush--both great names, but the slimmer Siran strikes me as more American-friendly. This Armenian-beauty's meaning is one of my favorite words--"lovely!" Obviously, that makes me a big fan of Siran.

Taline- Taline comes from Talin--the name of an Armenian town which houses a famous monastery of the same name. Her meaning is technically unknown, although many consider it simply to be "Talin, the Armenian town."

Zabel- In these days of Isabella and Isabel, why not pick something a little different? Zabel is a fantastic option. She's the Armenian form of Isabel, but stands well on her own (however, if you prefer her as a nickname, how about Elizabeth or Jezebel as the full form?). Her zippy Z beginning is lively and fun, and for a fashionable variation, she can be spelled Zabelle.