Hovhannes

Hovhannes is an Armenian given name for men. It is the Armenian form of John, derived from the Greek Ioannes and ultimately from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.”

In Armenian usage, the name appears in both Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian varieties, with transliteration often as Hovhannes or Hovannes. It is common in Armenia and among the Armenian diaspora, and it has historically appeared in religious and secular contexts alike, sometimes associated with saints or figures named John in Armenian Christian tradition.

Notable bearers of the name include Hovhannes Tumanyan (1869–1923), a leading Armenian poet whose work helped shape modern Armenian literature and national identity. Another prominent figure is Hovhannes Shiraz (1915–1984), a celebrated Armenian poet known for his lyric poetry and enduring influence on 20th-century Armenian letters. The name remains widely used in Armenian communities around the world, reflecting its long-standing cultural resonance and religious associations.