Vardan is a masculine given name of Armenian origin. It is derived from the Old Persian word "Vartan," which means "covenant" or "promise." The name Vardan has a rich history and cultural significance in Armenia.
The most notable figure associated with the name Vardan is Vartan Mamikonian, a 5th-century Armenian nobleman who played a crucial role in the Battle of Avarayr against the Persian Sassanid Empire. This battle was fought to defend Christianity and Armenian independence. Vartan Mamikonian became a national hero for his courage and leadership during this conflict.
In Armenia, the name Vardan is often given to boys born around the Feast of the Holy Translators (September 21). This feast celebrates the translation of religious texts into Armenian by Mesrop Mashtots and other scholars in the early 5th century. It is considered one of the most important events in Armenian history, as it contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Armenian language and culture.
Today, Vardan remains a popular name among Armenians both within Armenia and among the Armenian diaspora around the world. While its origins lie in ancient Persia, the name has become deeply intertwined with Armenian history, heritage, and national pride. Parents often choose this name for their sons to honor Armenia's rich cultural traditions and heroes like Vartan Mamikonian.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Vardan has seen a fluctuating trend of usage over the years in the United States.
In the early years, there were consistently low numbers of babies named Vardan, with five births each recorded in both 2005 and 2008. The number then rose slightly to seven in 2011 before dropping back down to five in both 2014 and 2015.
However, from 2018 onwards, there has been an uptick in the usage of the name Vardan. In 2018, there were eleven births, a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued into 2021 with another eleven births recorded that year. The popularity of the name further grew in 2022, with ten babies named Vardan born that year.
Although there was a slight decrease in 2023 with six births recorded, it is clear that the name Vardan has gained some traction in recent years compared to its usage earlier this century.
Overall, looking at the statistics from 2005 to 2023, we see a total of sixty-five babies named Vardan born in the United States.