Narek
An Armenian masculine name derived from a word meaning "new".
Name Census estimates that about 638 living Americans carry the first name Narek. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Narek today is around 15 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Narek births was 2021 (42 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Narek. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
638
~ 1 in 537,233 Americans
Peak year
2021
42 babies that year
Average age
15
years old
2024 SSA rank
#4,274
Tracked since 1990
Popularity
Narek: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Narek from the 1990s through to the 2020s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 232 total registrations. Although the numbers have come down from the 2010s peak, Narek remains solidly in use and shows no sign of disappearing from maternity wards.
Babies born per year
Decades
Narek by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Narek during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Nareks live
Origin
Meaning and history of Narek
The name Narek has its origins rooted in the Armenian language and culture. It is derived from the Armenian word "narek," which means "leader" or "guide." This name dates back to ancient times and has been in use within the Armenian community for centuries.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Narek can be found in the writings of the revered 10th-century Armenian monk and theologian, St. Narekatsi. He is renowned for his poetic masterpiece, the "Book of Lamentations," which is also known as the "Narek." This literary work has had a profound impact on Armenian spiritual and cultural traditions, and the name Narek has since been associated with this influential figure.
In the realm of Armenian history, Narek Isahakyan (1864-1944) stands out as a prominent figure. He was a renowned writer, playwright, and public figure who played a significant role in the cultural renaissance of Armenia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Another notable individual bearing the name Narek was Narek Baveyan (1915-1982), a celebrated Armenian actor and director. He made significant contributions to the development of Armenian theater and cinema, and his performances were widely acclaimed for their depth and artistry.
Narek Sargsyan (born 1981) is a contemporary Armenian chess grandmaster who has achieved numerous accolades in the world of chess. He has represented Armenia in various international tournaments and is considered one of the country's most promising chess talents.
Narek Hakhnazaryan (born 1988) is a celebrated Armenian cellist who has performed on prestigious stages around the world. He is renowned for his virtuosic technique and emotive interpretations, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his artistry.
The name Narek has a rich historical significance within the Armenian culture and has been borne by notable figures across various fields, including literature, theater, sports, and the arts. Its meaning as a "leader" or "guide" has resonated through the accomplishments of these individuals, who have left an indelible mark on Armenian heritage and beyond.
People
Narek + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Narek as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with N
Other first names starting with N with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Narek: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Narek?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 638 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Narek going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 537,233 US residents.
Is Narek a common name?
We classify Narek as "Very Rare". It ranks above 86.8% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 645 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Narek most popular?
The single biggest year for Narek was 2021, when 42 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Narek is about 15 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Narek a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Narek in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.