Yervand is the Armenian form of Orontes, a classical name with deep roots in Persian and Armenian history. Derived from the unattested Old Persian name *Arvanta possibly meaning "swift, quick" or "possessing wealth", Yervand (Armenian: Երվանդ) was borne by the Orontid dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Armenia and served as Achaemenid Persian satraps of Armenia from the 6th to the 2nd centuries BC. Etymology and Origins The name Yervand is a transliteration of the Armenian Երվանդ, while the Hellenic equivalent is Orontes. The Old Persian original *Arvanta combines elements possibly related to speed or wealth. The Orontid dynasty, which claimed descent from the Achaemenid kings, used this name for several of its rulers, linking Armenian nobility to Persian imperial traditions. Notable Bearers from History Historical figures named Yervand (or its Hellenized form Orontes) include several Orontid kings and satraps: Orontes I Sakavakyats (Yervand I), ruling c. 570–560 BC Orontes I (Yervand I), satrap and later king, during 401–344 BC Orontes II (Yervand II), son of Orontes I and ruler of the Satrapy of Armenia Orontes III (Yervand III) and Orontes IV (Yervand IV), later kings of Armenia Contemporary Usage In modern Armenia, variants such as Yervant (Western Armenian) remain in use. Notable bearers include historian Ervand Abrahamian (born 1940), a Marxist scholar of Middle Eastern history, and mathematician Ervand Kogbetliantz (1888–1974), first president of Yerevan State University. Meaning: swift, quick; possessing wealth Origin: Old Persian, via Armenian Type: Given name (male) Usage: Armenian