Narek

♂ Boy

Pronounced nah-REK /nɑˈrɛk/Medium

Meaning: From Armenian Narek — for St. Gregory of Narek (a 10th-century mystic poet) and the Narek monasteryMedium

In 30 seconds: Saintly and poetic: Narek honors St. Gregory of Narek — Armenia's great mystic poet. Devout, cultured, and proud.

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Origin MediumArmenian

MeaningFrom Armenian Narek — for St. Gregory of Narek (a 10th-century mystic poet) and the Narek monastery

U.S. rank (2025)#3726 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 675

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Narek comes from Armenian — for St. Gregory of Narek, the revered 10th-century mystic poet, and the Narekavank monastery. A devout, cultured name, hugely popular in Armenia.

In the U.S. it appears in Armenian families. Rare, of-Narek at the root, and proud.

Did you know? Narek honors St. Gregory of Narek, a 10th-century mystic and Armenia's greatest poet (and the monastery he lived in) — a deeply meaningful Armenian name.

Overall data confidence 78%

Armenian references — Narek — etymology

Variations

Narekatsi

Nicknames

Nar

Famous Bearers

★Narek Hakhnazaryan (1988-)
Armenian cellist who won the gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011
★Narek Durian (1997-)
Austrian-Armenian conductor who became chief conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Narek mean?

Narek honors St. Gregory of Narek, Armenia's great mystic poet, and the Narek monastery.

How do you pronounce Narek?

It's said nah-REK /nɑˈrɛk/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Narek a boy or girl name?

Narek is a boy's name.

How popular is Narek?

Narek is a rare name in the U.S., popular in Armenia.