Armenian Names: From Ara to Zabelle

A friend of mine’s husband comes from an Armenian background. When they had a baby, they gave him a very popular, common first name to counter-balance the complexity of their last name, but used the family name ‘Hratch’ in the middle spot.

I was so excited to see this because I’m Armenian!

Ani is SO popular in the Armenian community. I know so many. Taline is also popular, but not as popular as Ani. It’s also spelled Taleen often. Lucine is popular among older people too.

Ara, Aram, and Armen are also VERY popular in the Armenian community. Raffi and Haig are also more popular among older people.

The only name I can picture becoming popular outside of the Armenian community is Zabel, as a susbstitute for Isabelle. I think Zori could be come popular too. It sounds light and happy. It could even be used for a girl. I see Dmitri as more of a Russian name, and I can also see that being used.

I really love a few of these. I’ve been a big fan of Anoush for ages – it’s great fun to say.

From the list, I also really like Araxie, Nika and Silva. Levon, Zori, Zako and Raffi are my faves for boys.

Zabelle is lovely – is it pronounced za-BELL or ZA-bell? Anyone know?

It’s ZA-bell. My husband is Armenian and his mother turned me on to this name. I LOVE it.

His name is Zareh. I think it’s sexy.

I’m liking a lot of names but is how do you say Zobel? Like Zoe-bell? or Z-oh-bell?

I’m good friends with an Armenian family of several kids. The boys all have common biblical names (either in or around the top 10) but the girl has a gorgeous Armenian name not on the list- Sarine, pronounced with a rolled R. It means “from the mountains”.

How do you say Araxia? I really like the way it looks

Hello my name is Zabelle and I came on this site to find the meaning of my name, and this has been very helpful.
My grandmother is half armenian and my moms middle name is zabelle . I love my name but whenever I get asked what my name is people always think i said isabel,so i have to like say no Zabelle with a Z.lol!!!

My husband is half Armenian. We named our son Levon. I love it but Americans can not say it. They say LaVon. Any suggestions?

I am Canadian, my husband is Armenian & I am really trying hard to find traditional Armenian names I like. One: I need to be able to pronounce it (easy to pronounce for child’s sake too, when s/he goes to school). Two: I really want it to be a pretty name to hear, not only in Armenian, but English. So far I’ve found only 2 boys & 2 girls names. Boys: Ari (I believe it means brave) & Sevan which is said to be unisex (name of a lake in Armenia). Girls: Siran (“lovely” in Armenian) & Zabelle. My husband is not fond of any I’m desperate, please help.

Yey! Glad to find this site. My name is Zobel and I like it to be pronounced as Zu-bel instead of Zoe-Bell. Some people get confused and call me Isobel, but I don’t mind better than Zoe-Bell hehe!!

Gender: F
Origin of Isabel: Spanish variation of ELIZABETH, “pledged to God”

I’m very pleased about that!!!

I have really gotten into Armenian names lately. I am armenian and named after my grandmother, Tamara. It is an alternate form of the Armenian name Tamar. I grew up not liking it that much but have recently come to really appreciate it. The name actually has a cool story:

According to the Armenian legend, an Armenian princess named Tamar lived on an island and was in love with a commoner. Every night she would hold out a light for her love to swim across and reach the island. When her father found out he was upset, so he smashed her lantern. That night her love didnt see a light, and so he didnt know where to swim to. He drowned According to legend, his last words were “Akh Tamar” (Oh Tamar)

The island was named Akhtamar after this legend

pretty sad but a cool story nonetheless