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Origin and meaning of the name Artashes

What is the origin of the name Artashes?

Artashes is a male Armenian name derived from the Ancient Armenian language. It is thought to be an adaptation of the Greek name Artaxias, which means "ruler of the good land." The name became popular among the Armenian royal family during the Hellenistic period, with Artashes I being one of the most prominent kings of the Kingdom of Armenia in 189 BC. This name has continued to be used throughout history in Armenia and by Armenians around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the name Artashes

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Artashes

The name Artashes (Arshak in Armenian) is of ancient Armenian origin and has royal connotations. It is derived from the Armenian word "arshak" which means king or ruler. The name gained prominence during the Arsacid dynasty, a dynasty that ruled over Greater Armenia from 189 BC to 428 AD. One of its most famous bearers was Artashes I, who reigned as King of Armenia from 170 BC to 160 BC and expanded the territory under his rule. The name has been sporadically used throughout history among Armenians, but saw a resurgence in popularity following the establishment of the modern Republic of Armenia. Today, it remains a popular choice for Armenian parents as a symbol of leadership, strength, and royal heritage.

Character traits associated with the name Artashes

Artashes, a name of Armenian origin, is traditionally associated with individuals who possess strong leadership qualities and a deep sense of loyalty. They are often characterized by their courage, valiance, and determination, traits that have been passed down from historical figures such as Artashes I, the King of Armenia known for his military prowess and political acumen. Artashes individuals tend to be strategic thinkers with an unwavering commitment to their beliefs and values. They are also recognized for their charisma, a quality that allows them to inspire those around them and effectively lead teams in various settings. However, they may also exhibit a stubbornness when it comes to changing long-held convictions, reflecting the steadfast nature of this name. Artashes is a name that resonates with both ancient wisdom and modern resilience, making individuals bearing this name stand out as natural leaders with a strong sense of identity.

Popularity of the name Artashes

The name Artashes is of Armenian origin and is derived from the Old Persian word "Artaxata", meaning "invincible". As a given name, Artashes has seen varying degrees of popularity across different regions and time periods. In its native Armenia, Artashes is considered a traditional name with a moderate level of usage, reflecting a sense of cultural pride and heritage. However, outside of Armenia, the name's usage is relatively low due to Armenian communities being smaller in size and more geographically dispersed. The popularity of the name may see fluctuations based on factors such as cultural trends, immigration patterns, and public figures bearing the name. Nonetheless, Artashes remains a distinctive and meaningful name for those who bear it or choose it for their children.

Famous people with the name Artashes

Artashes is an uncommon given name, predominantly associated with Armenian heritage. Notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. Artashes Sarkissian (born 1952), a former President and Field Marshal of Armenia, serving from 1996 to 1998.

2. Artashes Minasyan (born 1984), an Armenian weightlifter who won the gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in the +105 kg category.

3. Artashes Orbelyan (born 1976), a former Armenian footballer who played as a striker, and is currently the head coach of the Armenia national team.

4. Artashes Shirinyan (born 1982), an Armenian football manager and former player who plays as a midfielder for Armenia-based Ararat Yerevan.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, both within Armenia and on the international stage.

Variations of the name Artashes

The name Artashes can be found with various spellings and variations, reflecting its origins and adaptations across regions. The most common forms include Artashes, Artashés, Artashesios, Artaxes, Artaxias, and Artacheus. These derivatives are often traced back to the ancient Armenian kingdom, where Artashes was a prominent dynasty ruling the Kingdom of Armenia Minor in the 2nd century BC. Other variations may stem from different transliterations or phonetic adaptations of the original name over time. For instance, the Greek form is Artaxias or Artaxes, while the Latinized version is Artacheus. In all its forms, Artashes remains a significant and resonant name in Armenian history and culture, evoking a rich legacy that spans centuries.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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