Aras

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-rahs /ˈɑː.rɑs/High

Meaning: Primarily from Kurdish aras meaning eagle, and also the name of the Araxes River (called Aras in Turkish and Kurdish) which forms the border between Turkey, Armenia, and AzerbaijanHigh

In 30 seconds: Aras is a name used across Kurdish, Turkish, and Armenian communities, meaning eagle or referring to the Araxes River of the Caucasus and Eastern Anatolia. It carries a strong, nature-inspired quality with deep regional heritage.

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Origin HighKurdish, Turkish, Armenian

MeaningPrimarily from Kurdish aras meaning eagle, and also the name of the Araxes River (called Aras in Turkish and Kurdish) which forms the border between Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan

U.S. rank (2024)#3096 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births39 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 395

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Aras is connected to the ancient river Araxes (modern Aras), which flows from eastern Turkey through Armenia and Azerbaijan before joining the Kura River. The name is used in Turkish, Kurdish, and Armenian communities, and in Kurdish the word aras also independently means eagle, a powerful symbol across the region.

As a given name, Aras is common in Turkey and among Kurdish populations in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. It gained some prominence in the 2010s and 2020s as a modern, short name with strong natural imagery. In Lithuania and some Baltic contexts, Aras is also used as a form of names containing the element meaning eagle.

Did you know? The Aras River (ancient Araxes) is one of the most historically significant rivers of the ancient Near East — it was described by the Greek historian Herodotus and formed the boundary of several ancient empires. The name Aras thus carries thousands of years of geographical and cultural resonance.

Overall data confidence 83%

Behind the Name — Aras — Kurdish and Turkish etymologyEncyclopaedia Iranica — Araxes — History of the Aras/Araxes River

Variations

ArashAraş

Nicknames

Ara

Famous Bearers

★Aras Bulut İynemli (1990–present)
Turkish actor known for roles in television dramas such as The Pit and the film Miracle in Cell No. 7, one of Turkey's most recognized young actors.

If you like Aras…

Arash— similar Persian/Kurdish name with eagle or arrow connotations

Ares— short, strong ancient name with similar phonetic pattern

Atlas— short mythological or geographical boys name with comparable feel

Zara— short, sharp nature-connected name of similar regional heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aras mean?

Aras means eagle in Kurdish and also refers to the Araxes River (Aras) of the Caucasus region, a major geographical and historical landmark.

How do you pronounce Aras?

It is said AH-rahs, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Aras a boy or girl name?

Aras is predominantly a boy's name in Kurdish, Turkish, and Armenian naming traditions.

How popular is Aras?

Aras is moderately popular in Turkey and Kurdish communities and is rarely used in English-speaking countries.