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Armenian last names have a deep-rooted traditional convention of following the patronymic naming system. They are distinctive because most of the last names end with the suffixes ‘ian,’ ‘yan,’ or ‘jan,’ meaning ‘son of,’ such as Abasyan, Balian, and Aghajanian. These suffixes act as a bridge across generations. However, not all Armenian surnames are patronymics. A few such as Boyajyan, Darbinian, and Najaryan, are occupational. In contrast, Mushyan is a popular locative surname. Since the patronymic last names are derived from given names, the roots of Armenian last names go deeper and are spread across different languages and cultures. Delve into this list of Armenian last names and learn where each one originated from.
Key Pointers
- Armenian last names are usually either patronymic or occupational.
- Surnames like Abasyan, Balian, and Aghajanian are patronymic, while Boyajyan, Darbinian, and Najaryan, are occupational.
- Most Armenian last names end with the suffixes ‘ian,’ ‘yan,’ or ‘jan,’ meaning ‘son of’ which act as a bridge across generations.
120+ Armenian Last Names With Meanings
Armenian last names carry rich stories and traditions that can tell us about the country’s culture. Have a look at these last names and their origins and significance.
Common Armenian Last Names
We have listed some common Armenian last names that are patronymic, occupational, or locational. From Abajian to Matevosyan, each surname carries a legacy.
1. Abajian
What makes Abajian an interesting surname is that it is both a patronymic and an occupational last name. Taken from the Turkish word ‘abacι,’ it means ‘maker or seller of coarse woolen cloth or garments.’
2. Abasyan
Abasyan is a surname connected to royalty. The name is associated with the Abasyan kings and queens who ruled from 750 to 1280.
3. Abelyan
Inspired by a given name, Abelyan is a patronymic last name that means ‘son of Abel.’ In the Old Testament, Abel is the second son of Adam and Eve.
4. Abrahamian
Abrahamian can also be spelled as Abrahamyan, Aprahamian, and Aprahamyan. It is the alternate transcription of Abrahamyan, a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Abraham.’
Did you know?5. Adamian
Taken from Adamyan, Adamian is another Armenian patronymic surname that carries the connotation of ‘son of Adam.’
6. Agajanian
Agajanian is an alternate transcription of the Armenian patronymic surname Aghajanyan. The name carries the connotation of ‘son of Aghajan.’
7. Agassi
Agassi is not only an Armenian surname but is also used by Italian and Persian communities. It is assumed that the name originated as a nickname for someone who resembles a magpie or a talkative person.
Did you know?8. Aghabegian
The name comes from the given name Aghabeg. It has its roots in Persian and means ‘master.’ The name was usually given as a title to provincial governors and senior officers.
9. Aghajanian
Many Armenian surnames are alternate transcriptions of other given names or last names. Aghajanian comes from Aghajanyan, a patronymic surname carrying the meaning of ‘son of Aghajan.’
10. Aghapapian
This surname has many spelling variants such as Aghapapyan, Aghababian, and Aghababyan. It comes from the given name Aghapap and has Persian roots. The name means ‘grandfather’s master.’
11. Aghasarian
Inspired by the given name Aghasar, Aghasarian has Persian roots and means ‘master.’
12. Aghasian
Originating from the personal name Aghasi, Aghasian has Ottoman Turkish origins and carries the meaning of ‘agha.’ This is a title given to high officials.
13. Agopian
Agopian is the alternate transcription of Hakobyan, a patronymic Armenian surname that means ‘son of Hakob.’ It can sometimes be spelled as Agopyan.
14. Aharonian
Another patronymic surname and the alternative transcription of Aharonyan, Aharonian simply means ‘son of Aharon.’ It can also be spelled as Aharonyan.
15. Aslanyan
This surname is sometimes used interchangeably with Aslanian. The name has its roots in the Turkish word ‘aslan,’ meaning ‘lion.’
16. Avanesyan
Avanesyan is an alternative spelling of Hovhannisyan, an Armenian patronymic surname that means ‘son of Hovhannes.’ It can also be spelled as Avanesian.
17. Avdalyan
Taken from the given name Avdal, a variant of Abdal. The name could either have Pashto roots meaning ‘strong,’ or Turkish origins meaning ‘careless man’ or ‘hermit.’ Avdalyan can also be spelled as Avdalian, Abdalian, and Abdalyan.
18. Avenesyan
This Armenian surname comes from the patronymic surname Hovhannisyan, which carries the connotation of ‘son of Hovhannes.’
19. Avetisyan
Avetisyan is a patronymic surname that comes in different spellings such as Avetisian, Avetissian, Avedisian, and Avedissian. The name carries the connotation of ‘son of Avetis.’
20. Azarian
Azarian is a variant transcription of Azaryan. It is considered to have been derived from the Hebrew personal name Azaryah, which means ‘Yahweh has helped.’
21. Azaryan
Azaryan is a patronymic surname that has its roots in the Persian given name Azar and it means ‘fire.’
22. Babayan
Babayan is an Armenian surname that comes from the Turkish word ‘baba’ for ‘father.’ It can be spelled as Babaian.
23. Baghdasaryan
Baghdasaryan is a patronymic surname that can be spelled as Baghdasarian or Baghdassarian. It carries the connotation of ‘son of Baghdasar.’
24. Balian
The exact origin of Balian is not confirmed, however, there are speculations that the name might be derived from the Turkish name Bali, derived from the word ‘bal,’ meaning ‘mind.’
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25. Banaian
The exact meaning of this surname remains unclear. However, the name is borne by King Banaian, a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
26. Barsamian
Barsamian comes from Parsamyan, a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Parsam.’ The given name has roots in Assyrian and it means ‘fasting.’
27. Barseghyan
A patronymic surname that can also be spelled as Barseghian, Parseghian, and Parseghyan, Barseghyan means ‘son of Barsegh.’
28. Bedrosian
An alternate transcription of Petrosyan, this patronymic surname carries the connotation of ‘son of Petros.’
29. Darchynian
Darchynian is the alternate transcription of Darchinyan, an Armenian surname that means ‘cinnamon.’
30. Davidian
Also spelled as Davidyan or Davitian, Davidian comes from the original patronymic surname, Davtyan, meaning ‘son of Davit.’
31. Davtyan
This patronymic surname also carries the connotation of ‘son of Davit.’
32. Derian
Distinctly Armenian, this surname comes from the classical Armenian word ‘tēr,’ which translates to ‘lord.’
33. Donabedian
This last name is considered to be a patronymic surname derived from the Armenian word ‘tōnapet,’ meaning ‘head of a festival.’
34. Gabrielyan
You may be able to guess the meaning of this patronymic surname, it means ‘son of Gabriel.’
35. Galstyan
A name with multiple spelling variants, Galstyan can be spelled as Galstian, Galustyan, Kalstian, Kalsdian, and Kalusdian. The name is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Galust.’
36. Garabedian
This name is popularly seen as an epithet of John the Baptist in Armenian churches. It means ‘son of Garabed,’ a name that means ‘leader’ or ‘precursor.’
37. Gareginyan
Gareginyan is a patronymic last name that can be spelled as Gareginian, Karekinyan, and Karekinian. It means ‘son of Garegin.’
38. Gasparian
Founded as an alternate transcription of Gasparyan, Gasparian is a patronymic last name that means ‘son of Gaspar.’
39. Gasparov
This is a Russified version of the Armenian surname Gasparyan, a patronymic surname that carries the connotation of ‘son of Gaspar.’
40. Gasparyan
Also used as Gasparian, Kasparyan, and Kasparian, Gasparyan is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Gaspar.’
41. Gevorgyan
Gevorgyan is an Armenian last name that means ‘son of Gevorg.’ It can be used interchangeably with Gevorgian or Gevorkian.
42. Grigorian
Grigorian is an alternate transcription of Grigoryan. It is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Grigor.’
Trivia43. Grigoryan
Pronounced as ‘gree-kawr-YAHN,’ Grigoryan is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Grigor.’
44. Gukasyan
The Armenian equivalent of Luke, Gukasyan is used as a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Gukas.’
45. Gulian
Gulian can be enunciated as ‘GHOUL-yahn’ or ‘GOO-lee-an.’ The root word ‘gul’ can mean ‘rose’ or ‘laughter.’ It is then combined with the suffix ‘ian,’ which means ‘son of.’
46. Hakobyan
Distinctly an Armenian patronymic surname, Hakobyan carries the connotation of ‘son of Hakob.’
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47. Hakopyan
Hakopyan is also spelled as Hakopian and it comes from the original patronymic last name Hakobyan. It carries the connotation of ‘son of Hakob.’
48. Haroutunian
A spelling variant of Harutyunyan, this patronymic surname means ‘son of Harutyun.’ It is also spelled as Harutiunyan or Harutunian.
49. Harutyunyan
This last name may be a mouthful but Harutyunyan is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Harutyun.’ The name can be pronounced as ‘hah-roo-tyoon-YAHN.’
50. Hayrapetyan
Hayrapetyan can also be spelled as Hayrapetian or Hairapetian. It means ‘son of Hayrapet.’
51. Hovakimyan
This patronymic surname contains spelling variations such as Hovakimian and Ovakimyan. It means ‘son of Hovakim.’
52. Khachatryan
Khachatryan can also be found as Khachaturyan, Khachaturian, and Khachatrian. The name means ‘son of Khachatur.’
53. Khachaturian
Taken from the patronymic Khachaturyan, the name means ‘son of Khachatur.’ One famous individual who bore the surname was Armenian composer Aram Khachaturyan, simply known as Khachaturian.
54. Khorchidyan
This patronymic surname means ‘son of Khorchid.’ It can be used interchangeably with Khorchidian.
55. Khorshidian
Khorshidian is similar to Khorchidyan or Khorchidian, but it carries the meaning of ‘son of Khorshid.’
56. Kirakosyan
This Armenian patronymic surname means ‘son of Kirakos.’
57. Krikorian
Another respelling of Grigoryan, Krikorian is used as a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Grigor.’
58. Madatyan
Madatyan is a patronymic surname spelled as Madatian, Madadyan, or Madadian. The name means ‘son of Madat.’
59. Manukian
Manukian is an alternate transcription of Manukyan, a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Manuk.’ It can also be spelled as Manukian, Manoukyan, and Manoukian.
60. Margaryan
Taken from the Old Armenian term ‘margarē,’ which means ‘prophet,’ Margaryan is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Margar.’
61. Margosian
Diverting from the norm of the usual patronymic surnames, Margosian is the Armenian spelling of Mark. It is derived from the given name Margos.
62. Matevosyan
This Armenian surname is derived from a given name and it means ‘son of Matevos.’ It can also be spelled as Matevosian.
Most Popular Armenian Names
From classic to contemporary, discover the diverse yet popular last names of Armenia.
63. Ajemian
Ajemian is a patronymic last name taken from the Turkish ‘acem,’ which denotes a ‘foreigner’ or a ‘Persian.’ It could also be associated with the Arabic word ‘a’jam,’ signifying someone who does not speak Arabic correctly.
64. Akobian
Taken from the alternate name Hakobyan, Akobian is a patronymic last name that carries the connotation of ‘son of Hakob.’
65. Akopian
Hakobyan has many spelling alternatives and Akopian is one of them. It is considered to be a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Hakob.’ It can also be spelled as Akopyan.
66. Aleksanyan
Also found in other spelling variants, such as Aleksanian, Alexanyan, and Alexanian, Aleksanyan is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Aleksan.’
67. Altounian
The exact meaning of this Armenian surname remains a mystery. Altounyan may be a variant of this last name.
68. Amramyan
Amramyan is one of the patronymic surnames in the long list of Armenian patronymic last names. It means ‘son of Amram.’
69. Ananyan
Used as an Armenian and Jewish last name, Ananyan is also a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Anan.’
70. Andonian
Andonian is the alternate transcription of Antonyan, a patronymic last name that means ‘son of Anton.’
71. Antonian
Antonian is the alternate transcription of Antonyan, a patronymic surname that carries the connotation of ‘son of Anton.’ It can also be spelled as Andonyan and Andonian.
72. Aprahamian
An alternative transcription of Abrahamyan, Aprahamian is a patronymic last name that means ‘son of Abraham.’
73. Arabian
This Armenian last name is self-explanatory. It is used as an ethnic term for someone who is an ‘Arab.’
74. Arakelyan
Arakelyn is a patronymic Armenian last name that means ‘son of Arakel.’
75. Arshakyan
Derived from the Armenian masculine given name Arshak, this name comes from the Iranian word ‘arshak,’ which means ‘courageous or male.’
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76. Arustamyan
This patronymic surname is taken from two given names, Ara and Rustam. Arustamyan means ‘son of Arustam.’
77. Arutyunyan
Enunciated as ‘hah-roo-tyoon-YAHN,’ Arutyunyan is an alternate transcription of Harutyunyan and means ‘son of Harutyun.’
78. Asatryan
Patronymic surnames are commonly seen in the Armenian population and Asatryan is one of them. The name means ‘son of Asatur.’
79. Atamian
An alternate transcription of Adamyan, Atamian is a patronymic surname in Armenian, which means ‘son of Adam.’
80. Atanesian
The name can be pronounced as ‘ah-tah-nehs-YAHN’ and is the alternate transcription of Atanesyan. It is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Atanes.’
81. Avagyan
Avagyan is a simple patronymic last name that means ‘son of Avag.’ It can also be spelled as Avakian or Avakyan.
82. Avalyan
This Armenian surname is used as a patronymic surname and it means ‘son of Aval.’
83. Bedrossian
An alternate transcription of Petrosyan, Bedrossian is an Armenian patronymic surname that means ‘son of Petros.’
84. Boghosian
Boghosian is an Armenian patronymic surname that means ‘son of Boghos.’ It also contains variants such as Poghosyan, Poghosian, and Boghossian.
85. Bombi
Bombi is a popular surname that can be found in other languages such as Italian, Bosnian, Albanian, Georgian, and Ossetian. It is the patronymic form of Bomba, a name that means ‘bomb.’
86. Boyajyan
This one is an occupational last name that means ‘son of a dyer or a painter.’ The name can also be spelled as Boyajian.
87. Dadrian
The meaning of Dadrian is uncertain but the name was borne by Armenian-American sociologist and historian, Vahakn Norair Dadrian.
88. Danielyan
Danielyan is an Armenian patronymic surname that means ‘son of Daniel.’ It is sometimes used interchangeably with Danielian.
89. Darbinian
Darbinian is an occupational surname and an alternate transcription of Darbinyan, an Armenian surname that means ‘blacksmith.’
90. Darbinyan
This is an occupational surname that is given to someone who is involved in crafting items from iron or a blacksmith.
91. Gevorkyan
This name can be enunciated as ‘geh-vor-KYAHN.’ It is the alternate transcription of Gevorgyan, a name that means ‘son of Gevorg.’
92. Ghasabyan
Ghasabyan is a name with Arabic origins. Initially used as an occupational surname, it is given to someone who is a butcher.
93. Ghazaryan
An Armenian patronymic surname, it means ‘son of Lazar.’ It is also used interchangeably with Ghazarian.
94. Goukasian
A spelling variant of Gukasyan, an Armenian patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Gukas.’ The name is also the Armenian form of Luke.
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95. Hovanesian
Some Armenian last names are quite lengthy. Hovanesian is the alternate transcription of an even lengthier surname, Hovhannisyan. It is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Hovhannes.’
96. Hovhannisyan
Taken from the patronymic surname Hovhannisyan, Havhannesyan means ‘son of Hovhannes.’ The name can be pronounced as ‘hawv-hahn-nees-YAHN.’
97. Hovsepian
Commonly used by Armenians living outside of Armenia, this surname is a variant transcription of Hovsepyan, a name that means ‘son of Hovsep.’
98. Ivanyan
A name that can also be written as Ivanian, this Armenian last name means ‘son of Ivan.’
99. Karapetian
This alternate transcription of Karapetyan can also be spelled as Karapetyan or Garabedian. It carries the connotation of ‘son of Karapet.’
100. Karapetyan
Karapetyan is an Armenian patronymic last name that means ‘son of Karapet.’ There are a number of other ways to spell it such as Karapetian, Karapedyan, Karapedian, Karabetyan, Karabetian, and more.
101. Kasabian
Taken from the occupational surname Ghasabyan, Kasabian has Arabic roots and is usually given to someone who works as a butcher.
102. Kerian
This Armenian surname has no exact meaning associated with it. However, it can also be found as Shishmanyan and can be enunciated as ‘Kereeyan.’
103. Kevorkian
An alternate transcription of Gevorgyan, the last name means ‘son of Gevorg.’
104. Martirosyan
This patronymic last name can be spelled as Martirosian or Mardirosian. It carries the connotation of ‘son of Martiros.’
105. Melikyan
Pronounced as ‘meh-leek-YAHN,’ Melikyan is a patronymic last name that means ‘son of Melik.’ One of the spelling variants is Melkian.
106. Melkonyan
Also found as Melkonian, Melkonyan is derived from a given name and it means ‘son of Melkon.’
107. Minasian
Minasian is an Armenian and American last name. Although the exact meaning of the American name is not certain, as an Armenian surname, it is an alternate transcription of Minasyan, meaning ‘son of Minas.’
108. Misakian
This surname is the Armenian equivalent of the Ancient Hebrew name Meshach. It means ‘descendant of Misak.’
109. Mkhitaryan
Although this last name may look like a tongue twister, it can be broken down and pronounced as ‘mə-khee-tahr-YAHN.’ Mkhitaryan is a patronymic last name that means ‘son of Mkhitar.’
110. Mushyan
A locative Armenian surname, it can also be spelled as Mooshian. It was given to someone who came from the town of Mushi.
111. Najaryan
This Armenian occupational surname has its roots in Arabic. It comes from the word ‘naǰar,’ which means ‘carpenter.’ Najaryan is also a patronymic surname, meaning ‘son of a carpenter.’
112. Nalbandyan
Another occupational surname and also a patronymic last name, Nalbandyan comes from the Armenian word ‘nalband,’ meaning ‘farrier.’ The origin of this word is Persian, and the name means ‘son of a ferrier.’
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113. Nazaretyan
Nazaretyan is also spelled as Nazaretian in some cases. The name carries a distinct meaning of ‘son of Nazaret.’
114. Petrosyan
This Armenian patronymic surname means ‘son of Petros.’
115. Poghosyan
Poghosyan is a patronymic Armenian last name that differs in pronunciation from the East to the West. The Eastern Armenians pronounce the name as ‘paw-raws-YAHN,’ while the West enunciate it as ‘baw-raws-YAHN.’ Poghosyan means ‘son of Poghos.’
116. Rostomyan
Pronounced as ‘raws-tawm-YAHN,’ Rostomyan is an Armenian patronymic surname that means ‘son of Rostom.’
117. Sahakyan
Sahakyan is also found as Sahakian or Sahagyan. This patronymic surname means ‘son of Sahak.’
118. Sanosian
Sanosian is a last name derived from the personal name Sanos, the Armenian diminutive of Alexander. It bears the meaning of ‘defending men.’
119. Sarafyan
Sarafyan is an occupational Armenian surname that comes from the word ‘ṣarrāf,’ which means ‘banker,’ ‘cashier,’ or ‘moneychanger.’ The complete meaning of the name is ‘son of a banker.’
120. Sargis
The Armenian last name Sargis comes from a given name with the same spelling. Sargis is the Armenian variant of the Roman family name Sergius and it bears the connotation of ‘servant’ in Latin.
121. Sergeyan
Commonly seen in Armenian and Russian households, Sergeyan is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Sergey.’
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Armenian last names are not only diverse and meaningful but also rich in family history. For example, last names like Hakobian, meaning ‘son of Hakob or Jacob,’ clearly reflect their Armenian origin, while others like Bombi have a more surprising usage throughout different parts of the world. In essence, Armenian surnames serve as a powerful way to preserve and celebrate ancestral ties and offer us a glimpse into the culture and history of the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Armenian last names have spelling variations?
Yes, spelling variations exist. For instance, while an Armenian surname can typically be identified by its ian/yan ending, which means ‘the son of,’ variations may include ians, ianz, iants, iantz, yan, yans, yanz, yants, yantz, ents, entz, and ontz (1).
2. What is the cultural and social significance of Armenian last names?
While Armenians have traditionally identified themselves through their language, religion, and culture, their surnames often provide insights into the life circumstances and clan affiliations of the original bearers. Armenian surnames can reveal ancestral origins, occupations, or physical traits (1).
For instance, names like Kebabjian and Kahvejian denote kebab and coffee merchants, respectively. When a surname ends in -lian or -(d)jian, it generally refers to a location or profession, respectively. The -ian/ -yan suffix can also occasionally be attached to an adjective describing a quality.
3. What is the historical context of Armenian last names?
Armenian last names serve as vital links to the heritage and identities of people across generations. While many end with ‘-ian,’ others feature unique endings that reflect historical, cultural, or regional influences, especially from periods of Armenian coexistence with other groups, such as the Russians. Some suffixes hint at the physical traits of ancestors. Topalian, for example, means ‘son of a cripple.’ Also, occupational surnames, such as Kardashian, meaning ‘son of a stonemason,’ offer insights into family trades, names like Pashinyan and Nakhararyan suggest aristocratic heritage, and some indicate specific geographic origins—Shiraktsi for families from Shirak for instance.
4. How are Armenian last names structured?
Almost all Armenian surnames are composed of a root and one or more suffixes. The root can be a given name like Petros or Samvel, or it can be a title, personal characteristic, occupation, or place name (2). Modern Armenian last names typically end with the patronymic suffix -yan, -ian, or less frequently, -jan. For instance, Petrosyan means ‘descendant of Petros,’ similar to how the English name Peterson means ‘son of Peter.’
Some Armenian surnames also include a suffix derived from the Turkish suffix -li. Examples include Sivaslian and Vanlian, which refer to the cities of Sivas and Van, respectively.
Infographic: Interesting Armenian Surnames With Their Meanings
Some Armenian last names have fascinating meanings. They generally consist of a root and one or more suffixes. The root can be a given name, title, characteristic, occupation, or place name, with modern Armenian last names typically ending in -yan, -ian, or -jan. Uncover the catchy meanings behind these surnames in our infographic below.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Namesplaining.
https://agbu.org/new-diasporan/namesplaining#:~:text=With%20noted%20exceptions%2C%20one%20can - Discovering the Meaning of Your Armenian Family Name.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/your-armenian-surname#:~:text=Virtually%20all%20Armenian%20surnames%20consist
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