Meaning & History
Krikor is a Western Armenian given name, equivalent to the Eastern Armenian Grigor and ultimately derived from the English name Gregory. In Armenian, the spelling Krikor reflects the pronunciation of the Western Armenian dialect, while the Eastern Armenian form is Grigor. A common diminutive of Krikor is Koko, and a variant spelling is Kirkor.
Etymology
The root of the name lies in the Late Greek Γρηγόριος (Gregorios), derived from γρήγορος (gregoros) meaning "watchful" or "alert." This name was adopted by early Christians and was borne by numerous saints, most notably Saint Gregory the Illuminator (c. 257–331), the patron saint of Armenia. Through Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the name became deeply entrenched in Armenian culture, leading to both Eastern Armenian Grigor and Western Armenian Krikor.
Notable Bearers
The most famous historical bearer is Gregory of Narek (951–1003), commonly known as Krikor Naregatsi or Saint Gregory of Narek. He was an Armenian monk, poet, and theologian, revered as a saint in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Additionally, several Catholicoi (supreme heads) of the Armenian Apostolic Church bore names such as Gregory II the Martyrophile, Gregory IV the Young, and others up to Gregory XII in the 16th century. All of these figures are often referred to by both Grigor and Krikor depending on the dialect.
Cultural Significance
In Armenia, the name Krikor (or Grigor) carries great religious and historical weight due to its association with Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who converted Armenia to Christianity in the early 4th century. The name remains common among Armenian communities worldwide, particularly among the Western Armenian diaspora. Through use, it has also borne related forms such as the diminutives Koko.
- Meaning: Watchful, alert
- Origin: Greek, through Armenian
- Type: Given Name
- Usage Regions: Armenian (especially Western Armenian diaspora)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Krikor