Narek is a male given name of Armenian origin. The name is derived from the name of an Armenian river called Nareg, which means "great" or "vast." According to Armenian folklore, the river was named after the legendary hero Nareg who fought against the Persian invaders and defended his country. The name has been used in Armenia for centuries and has become popular among Armenians living abroad as well.
The name Narek has gained international recognition thanks to prominent figures such as Narek Kalintari, an Armenian-American composer, and Narek Hovhannissian, a Canadian-Armenian chess grandmaster. However, despite its growing popularity, the name remains relatively rare outside of Armenia and among Armenians living abroad.
In terms of pronunciation, the name Narek is typically pronounced as "NAH-rehk," with emphasis on the first syllable. The name can also be spelled Nareg or Narik depending on the region and personal preference.
Overall, Narek is a strong and unique name that reflects Armenian culture and history while also being accessible to people of different backgrounds. Its meaning adds depth to the name, making it a great choice for parents looking for something meaningful and distinctive.
The name Narek has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. In the early 1990s, the number of births was relatively low, with only 8 births recorded in 1990 and 7 births in 1993. However, by the late 1990s, the number of births had begun to rise, with 11 births recorded in both 1997 and 1998.
The early 2000s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Narek, with a total of 15 births recorded in both 2000 and 2002. This trend continued throughout the decade, with over 20 births recorded every year between 2008 and 2014.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Narek has continued to grow, with a record-breaking 42 births recorded in 2021. Overall, since 1990, there have been a total of 620 births recorded for the name Narek in the United States. This steady increase in popularity over time suggests that the name Narek is becoming more widely accepted and recognized as a unique and appealing choice for parents.