A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sarkis since 1914
Babies named Sarkis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1992, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sarkis's real moment was 1922.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 21 |
| 1920s | 115 |
| 1930s | 52 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 138 |
| 1990s | 216 |
| 2000s | 167 |
| 2010s | 128 |
| 2020s | 73 |
Meaning & origin
Sarkis is a distinctive name with deep roots in Armenian and Christian tradition, yet it remains rare in the United States. First recorded in the U.S. in 1914, the name reached its peak rank of 6,446 in 1922 (the same year it hit its highest popularity). After decades of lower usage, it has been on an upward trend since 2017, suggesting renewed interest, perhaps as part of the revival of vintage 1920s names. Currently, about 1 in 131,390 baby boys receives the name Sarkis. While not common in any particular state, it carries a strong cultural identity for Armenian-American families and is also found among Arabic-speaking Christians. Its recent rise aligns with a broader appreciation for names with historical and religious resonance, and its unique sound sets it apart from more mainstream choices.
Sarkis is derived from the Armenian form of Sergius, a Roman family name of uncertain Etruscan origin that spread through early Christian veneration of Saint Sergius, a Roman soldier martyred in Syria. Via Arabic influence, the name Sarkis became common among Arabic-speaking Christians, and in Armenian tradition it is strongly associated with the fourth-century Saint Sarkis the Warrior. The name has been borne across the Armenian diaspora and remains popular among Armenian and some Middle Eastern Christian communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sako, Sark
Sibling names for Sarkis
Names that share Sarkis's style, for a brother or sister.
