Tigranes (Ancient Greek: Τιγράνης) is the Greek form of the Old Armenian name Տիգրան (Tigran), ultimately derived from Old Iranian *Tigrāna, of uncertain meaning. The name is recorded in Elamite as 𒋾𒅅𒊏 (Tiigra) and in Akkadian as 𒋾𒅅𒊏𒀪 (Tiigra'), attesting to its antiquity in the Near East. Etymology The etymology of *Tigrāna is debated. It is considered a theophoric name (borne by figures associated with deities) and may be connected to the Old Iranian word for “arrow” or “swift.” During the Achaemenid period (550–330 BC), the name was rare, with only two known historical bearers according to Herodotus. One was a son of the Achaemenid official Artabanus. Notable Bearers Tigranes is primarily known as the name of several kings of Armenia, the most famous being Tigranes II the Great (r. 95–55 BC), who expanded the Armenian kingdom into a short-lived empire stretching from the Caspian to the Mediterranean. His father, Tigranes I (r. 115–95 BC), also bore the name, as did later rulers. There is some inconsistency in numbering; the earliest king named Tigranes (possibly mid-2nd century BC) and his son are often omitted from regnal counts. Cultural Significance The name Tigranes reflects the strong Iranian influence on Armenian royal culture. In modern times, it is used in its original Armenian forms, such as Tigran and Dikran. Variants are found across the Armenian diaspora and, via classical references, remain familiar in Western scholarship. Meaning: Uncertain, possibly “arrow” or “swift”; theophoric in nature Origin: Old Iranian Tigrāna, via Greek and Armenian Type: Masculine given name Usage regions: Historical Armenia, Greek East; revived in modern Armenia