Meaning & History
Arma is a masculine given name of ancient Anatolian origin. In Hittite and Luwian languages, the word arma literally means "moon" or "month." It was the name of a major deity in the Hittite and Luwian pantheons—the god of the moon.
Mythological Significance
Arma, the moon god, was widely worshiped in Hittite Anatolia (modern Turkey). He was associated with divine protection and the measurement of time (the lunar calendar). As male lunar deity, he stands apart from the Greek Selene and the Roman Luna (both female). Another Anatolian moon god, Sharruma—with a Hurrian etymology—”textcolor” was likely viewed in iconography with a crescent crown.
Historical Usage
Likely never a common personal name outside the Hittite period realm (“Hittite” and “Luwian” designate branches), it survives mostly in textual, not spoken usage.
Ar-likely part official titles and cultic positions.
- Meaning: Moon, month
- Origin: Hittite / Luwian
- Type: Theonym (moon god)
- Gender: Predominantly male
- Related: A lunar name prominent only in ancient Anatolia