Vartan
Armenian surname representing someone from the village of Vartan or its descendants.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 206 Americans carry the last name Vartan. That puts it at #97,210 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.06 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,663,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Vartan surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
206
1 in 1,663,856
Census rank
#97,210
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
187
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 187 bearers of the surname Vartan in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 97210th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Vartan, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.5%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (4.3%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Vartan
The surname Vartan originated from Armenia, with its roots dating back to the 4th century AD. It is derived from the Armenian word "Vartavar," which means "rose-giver" or "bearer of roses." This name has its origins in the ancient Armenian pagan festival of Vartavar, celebrated in honor of the goddess Astghik, the deity of love, beauty, and fertility.
Historically, the name Vartan has been associated with several prominent figures in Armenian history. One of the earliest and most notable was Vartan Mamikonian, a renowned military leader who led the Armenian rebellion against the Sassanid Persian Empire in the Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, Vartan Mamikonian became a symbol of Armenian resistance and national pride.
Another historical figure bearing the surname Vartan was Vartan Pashayan (1866-1912), a prominent Armenian writer, journalist, and public figure. He played a significant role in the Armenian national awakening movement and was a vocal advocate for the rights of Armenians living under Ottoman rule.
In the realm of literature, Vartan Grigoryan (1920-1997) was a celebrated Armenian writer and poet. His works, which often explored themes of love, nature, and Armenian identity, earned him widespread recognition and several prestigious literary awards.
The name Vartan can also be found in Armenian religious history. Vartan Ter-Avetikyan (1899-1987) was an Armenian Catholic bishop who served as the Patriarch of Cilicia from 1970 to 1987. He was known for his efforts to promote ecumenical dialogue and strengthen ties between the Armenian Catholic Church and the Holy See.
Lastly, Vartan Gregorian (born 1934) is a prominent Armenian-American academic and former president of Brown University. He has made significant contributions to higher education and has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to promoting access to education for underrepresented groups.
While the surname Vartan has its roots in ancient Armenian culture and history, it has since spread globally and can be found among Armenian diaspora communities worldwide, reflecting the rich and diverse heritage of this name.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Vartan
Among Census respondents with the surname Vartan, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.5%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (4.3%).
The bar chart below shows how Vartan bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Vartan surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White92.5%
- Two or more races4.3%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Vartan surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #97,210 | #97,210 | 0.0% |
| Count | 187 | 187 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Vartan bearers went from 187 to 187 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #97,210 to #97,210.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Vartan
FAQ
Vartan surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Vartan?
The surname Vartan holds position #97,210 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 206 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Vartan surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Vartan, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.5%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (4.3%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.