MallowbyNames

Narek

Նարեկnah-REK · Of uncertain origin, possibly meaning 'of the mountain' in Armenian.

2025 rank (boys)
#3,658
Babies named in 2025
30
Peak popularity
2021
2025 frequency
1 in 56,936 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022, #3,658 for boys today.

Popularity of Narek since 1990

Babies named Narek per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1428421990200020102020Most births 2021Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s79
2000s174
2010s232
2020s190

Meaning & origin

Narek is a distinctly Armenian name with deep cultural and religious roots. The name gained modest popularity in the United States starting in the 1990s, with its first recorded appearance in 1990. Its peak year was 2021, after which it has seen a slight decline. In 2025, it ranked 3,658th, with approximately 1 in every 56,936 newborns receiving the name. While it remains uncommon, Narek carries a strong cultural identity, often chosen by Armenian-American families to honor their heritage. The name's association with Saint Gregory of Narek gives it a spiritual dimension that resonates within the Armenian diaspora.

Narek is a name of Armenian origin, derived from the village of Narek (now in modern-day Turkey) or from the Armenian word 'nareg' referring to the 'narek' plant. It is closely associated with Saint Gregory of Narek, a 10th-century Armenian monk, poet, and theologian. The name has been used for centuries within Armenian communities, often given in honor of the saint.

Narek” around the world

Where Narek lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    20

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Sibling names for Narek

Names that share Narek's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

N is for Narek, our favorite little boy.

N is for Narek…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Narek's letter becomes Narek's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Narek's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Narek mean?
The meaning of Narek is uncertain, but it is often linked to the Armenian village of Narek or Saint Gregory of Narek, and may be interpreted as 'of the mountain'.
How popular is the name Narek?
Narek is a rare name in the United States. In 2025, it ranked 3,658th with a frequency of 1 in 56,936 births.
Is Narek a boy or girl name?
Narek is traditionally a boy's name in Armenian culture.