Armenian

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

Did you know that the wine-culture that has taken the world by a storm was first discovered in a cave in Armenia? Yes, Armenia houses one of the oldest wineries of the world, dating back over 6000 years. And that is not all, for Armenia’s contribution extend to yoghurt and coffee as well, the country being the first to invent both. It was also the first to adopt Christianity as the official state religion and also is home to the first church built in the world. Amusing if this is enough, be prepared to get all the more baffled as Armenians take you by surprise with their works and contribution. The Armenian diaspora is not just limited to their country alone as Armenians have flourished in their adoptive homelands, contributing extensively to business and sport, as well as cultural and political life, post the 1915 genocide. Some of the world’s most famous people of Armenian descent include the reality television star and professional selfie-taker Kim Kardashian, singer and actor Cher (born as Cherilyn Sarkisian), eight Grand slam title holder Andre Agassi, singer and public figure Charles Aznavour, business magnate Kirk Kerkonian, actor Andy Serkis and television presenter David Dickinson. Michael Vartan also has Armenian blood as does Dita Von Teese and Joe Manganiello. Find out more about famous Armenians, their life and their works with this write-up.
Vote For Your Favourite Armenian Personality
 1 
Dan Bilzerian
(Poker Player, Businessman & Social Media Influencer)
Dan Bilzerian
47
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 7, 1980
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Tampa, Florida, United States

A social media celebrity and a professional high-stakes poker player, Dan Bilzerian is known for his extravagant lifestyle and penchant for extreme sports. The King of Instagram, who has also acted in quite a few movies, has a huge fan base, but his lifestyle has landed him in multiple controversies and has also caused two heart attacks.

 2 
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
(Armenian Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
15
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 21, 1989
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia

Armenian professional footballer, Henrikh Mkhitaryan ,currently plays for Serie A club Roma and the Armenian national team. He previously played for Pyunik, winning four Armenian Premier League titles with them. Armenia's all-time top goalscorer, he has been named Armenian Footballer of the Year ten times. He is a polyglot and speaks eight languages.

 3 
Angela Sarafyan
(Actress)
Angela Sarafyan
3
Birthdate: June 30, 1983
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenian SSR, USSR [now Armenia]
 4 
Mike Connors
(Actor)
Mike Connors
3
Birthdate: August 15, 1925
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Fresno, California, United States
Died: January 26, 2017
 5 
Sib Hashian
(Musician)
Sib Hashian
2
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 17, 1949
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died: March 22, 2017
 6 
Levon Aronian
(Armenian Chess Player and Former World Rapid and Blitz Champion)
Levon Aronian
5
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 6, 1982
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia

Levon Aronian is an Armenian chess player who achieved the grandmaster title in 2000. Aronian, who currently plays for the US Chess Federation, earned the grandmaster title at age 17. Counted among the most decorated players of his generation, Levon Aronian is credited with leading the Armenian national team in several Chess Olympiads, winning gold in 2006, 2008, and 2012.  

 7 
Aram Khachaturian
(Composer)
Aram Khachaturian
10
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 6, 1903
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tbilisi
Died: May 1, 1978
 8 
Atom Egoyan
(Film director, Screenwriter, Film producer)
Atom Egoyan
2
Birthdate: July 19, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt
 9 
Tigran Petrosian
(One of the Best Chess Players in Armenia During his Generation)
Tigran Petrosian
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 17, 1929
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
Died: August 13, 1984

Tigran Petrosian was a Soviet-Armenian chess player who achieved the grandmaster title in 1952. Nicknamed Iron Tigran, Petrosian was the World Chess Champion between 1963 and 1969. Regarded as one of the best chess players in Armenia during his generation, Tigran Petrosian is credited with popularizing the game in Armenia. He also won the USSR Chess Championship on four occasions.

 10 
Shavarsh Karapetyan
(Armenian Former Finswimmer and 10-Time World Record Breaker)
Shavarsh Karapetyan
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 19, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Vanadzor, Armenia

Shavarsh Karapetyan is an Armenian former finswimmer. A ten-time world record-breaker, Karapetyan became famous after the 1976 trolleybus incident in Yerevan, where he saved the lives of 20 people. The incident was published in an article titled The Underwater Battle of the Champion in 1982, making Shavarsh Karapetyan a household name in the USSR.

 11 
Adam Bilzerian
(Armenian-Nevisian Poker Player and Writer)
Adam Bilzerian
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: 1983 AD
Birthplace: Tampa, Florida, United States
 12 
Michael Badalucco
(Actor)
Michael Badalucco
0
Birthdate: December 20, 1954
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
 13 
Patrik Baboumian
(German-Armenian Retired Strongman and Former Bodybuilder)
Patrik Baboumian
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 1, 1979
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Abadan, Iran

Known as the world’s strongest vegan, Iranian-born German-Armenian strongman Patrik Baboumian has won many bodybuilding titles, such as that of the Strongest Man of Germany. He is also known for his appearance in the Netflix documentary The Game Changers, which promotes plant-based diets, and has campaigned for PETA.

 14 
Andy Khachaturian
(Original drummer (1994–1997) of the band System of a Down and founder/lead vocalist (1999–2002) of the alt-progressive rock band The Apex Theory)
Andy Khachaturian
2
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 25, 1975
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
 15 
Tigranes the Great
(King)
Tigranes the Great
0
Birthdate: 0140 BC
Birthplace: Unknown
Died: 0055 BC
 16 
Arman Tsarukyan
(Armenian-Russian Mixed Martial Artist)
Arman Tsarukyan
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 11, 1996
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Akhalkalaki, Georgia

Arman Tsarukyan is an Armenian-Russian mixed martial artist. He is best known for his association with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he currently competes in the Lightweight division. Arman Tsarukyan has won a couple of Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards at the Ultimate Fighting Championship so far.

 17 
Sergei Parajanov
(Soviet Film Director, Artist, and Screenwriter)
Sergei Parajanov
2
Birthdate: January 9, 1924
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
Died: July 20, 1990

Sergey Yosifovich Paradzhanov was a Soviet film director, artist, and screenwriter. He is best remembered for making important contributions to world cinema with films like The Color of Pomegranates and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors. Sergei Parajanov is widely regarded as one of the most influential and greatest filmmakers in cinema history.

 18 
Akim Tamiroff
(Academy Award Nominated Actor Known for His Films: 'The General Died at Dawn', 'For Whom the Bell Tolls')
Akim Tamiroff
0
Birthdate: October 29, 1899
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Tiflis or Baku, Russian Empire
Died: September 17, 1972

Armenian-origin American film and TV actor Akim Tamiroff is best remembered for his Academy Award-nominated performances in The General Died at Dawn and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Considered the first big Armenian-American star, he also appeared in several series, such as Naked City and Tales of the Vikings.

 19 
Arthur Abraham
(Armenian-German Retired Boxer and Two-Time WBO Super-Middleweight Champion)
Arthur Abraham
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 20, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia

Arthur Abraham is an Armenian-German retired boxer who was active from 2003 to 2018. Between 2005 and 2009, Abraham held multiple world championships, including the IBF middleweight title. Between 2012 and 2016, he held the WBO super-middleweight title on two separate occasions. In 2009, Arthur Abraham was named Berlin Sportsman of the Year. 

 20 
Gregory the Illuminator
(Patron Saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church)
Gregory the Illuminator
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 0257 AD
Birthplace: Armenia
Died: 0331 AD

Gregory the Illuminator is the patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church. An important religious leader, Gregory is credited with converting Armenia from paganism to Christianity. Today, Gregory the Illuminator is venerated in the Armenian Apostolic Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Anglican Communion.

 21 
Mesrop Mashtots
(Linguist)
Mesrop Mashtots
0
Birthdate: 0362 AD
Birthplace: Hatzikk, Armenia
Died: February 17, 0440
 22 
Val Avery
(Actor)
Val Avery
0
Birthdate: July 14, 1924
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: December 12, 2009
 23 
Ara Malikian
(violinist, musician)
Ara Malikian
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: 1968 AD
Birthplace: Beirut
 24 
Marat Grigorian
(Armenian-born Belgian Kickboxer)
Marat Grigorian
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 29, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Talin, Armenia

Marat Grigorian is an Armenian-born Belgian professional fighter who specializes in kickboxing. A former Glory lightweight champion, Grigorian currently competes in the featherweight division in ONE Championship. Renowned for his knockout power and technical aggressive fighting style, Marat Grigorian is currently ranked amongst the best kickboxers in the world.

 25 
Karo Parisyan
(Armenian-American MMA Fighter)
Karo Parisyan
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 28, 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia

Karo Parisyan is an Armenian-American MMA fighter. A former welterweight champion at World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), Parisyan is an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Karo Parisyan has also represented Armenia at International Judo Championships, winning gold medals on four occasions.

 26 
Vartapet Komitas
Vartapet Komitas
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 26, 1869
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kütahya
Died: October 22, 1935
 27 
Dan Janjigian
(Actor)
Dan Janjigian
1
Birthdate: April 30, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
 28 
Simon Abkarian
(Actor)
Simon Abkarian
0
Birthdate: March 5, 1962
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Gonesse, Val d'Oise, France
 29 
Artur Aleksanyan
(Armenian Professional Greco-Roman Wrestler)
Artur Aleksanyan
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 21, 1991
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Gyumri, Armenia

Artur Aleksanyan is an Armenian Greco-Roman wrestler best known for winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics Games. He has also represented Armenia at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, winning a bronze medal and silver medal respectively. Artur Aleksanyan has also won four gold medals at the World Championships and five gold medals at the European Championships so far.

 30 
Yousuf Karsh
(Canadian Photographer)
Yousuf Karsh
3
Listed In: Photographers
Birthdate: December 23, 1908
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mardin, Turkey
Died: July 13, 2002
 31 
Manvel Gamburyan
(Armenian Mixed Martial Artist)
Manvel Gamburyan
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 8, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gyumri, Armenian SSR, Soviet Union

Manvel Gamburyan is an Armenian MMA fighter who has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight divisions. A professional competitor since 1999, Manny Gamburyan has also competed in other popular promotions, such as King of the Cage and World Extreme Cagefighting.

 32 
Sayat-Nova
(Poet)
Sayat-Nova
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: June 14, 1712
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
Died: September 22, 1795
 33 
Karen Darabedyan
(Armenian-American Mixed Martial Artist)
Karen Darabedyan
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 18, 1986
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Armenian SSR, Soviet Union

Karen Darabedyan is an Armenian-American mixed martial artist best known for appearing in the World Extreme Cagefighting's lightweight division. Also known for his entrepreneurship, Karen Darabedyan is credited with founding an institution called KD MMA Training Center in California, USA.

 34 
Iveta Mukuchyan
(Singer)
Iveta Mukuchyan
1
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 14, 1986
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia
 35 
Georgi Karakhanyan
(Russian-born Armenian-American Mixed Martial Artist)
Georgi Karakhanyan
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 29, 1985
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia

Georgi Karakhanyan is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in popular promotions like Bellator MMA. Karakhanyan, who has been competing since 2006, has also competed for the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), Absolute Championship Berkut, Tachi Palace Fights, DREAM, and King of the Cage. Georgi Karakhanyan is a former WSOF featherweight champion.

 36 
Vazgen Sargsyan
(Former Prime Minister of Armenia)
Vazgen Sargsyan
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 5, 1959
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Ararat, Armenia
Died: October 27, 1999

Vazgen Sargsyan was an Armenian politician and military commander. He is best remembered for his service as the Prime Minister of Armenia from 11 June 1999 until his murder on 27 October 1999. He also served as the Defence Minister of Armenia on two occasions between 1991 and 1999. Vazgen Sargsyan is often counted among Armenia's greatest national heroes.

 37 
Taven Bryan
(American Footballer Who Plays as a Defensive Tackle)
Taven Bryan
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 11, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Casper, Wyoming, United States

American footballer Taven Bryan is best known as a defensive tackle for the NFL team Cleveland Browns. Starting his youth career as a top-ranked player from Wyoming, he played for the University of Florida and later also represented the NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars. He was part of the 2017 Second-Team All-SEC.

 38 
Gokor Chivichyan
(One of the Most Complete Grapplers in the History of Combat Sport)
Gokor Chivichyan
1
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: May 10, 1963
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia

Gokor Chivichyan is an Armenian-born American mixed martial arts, submission grappling, and judo instructor. He currently trains amateur and professional fighters at the Hayastan MMA Academy in California, USA. Thanks to his extensive knowledge in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, freestyle wrestling, catch wrestling, judo, and sambo, Gokor Chivichyan is counted among the most complete grapplers in the history of combat sport.

 39 
Aras Özbiliz
(Turkish-Born Armenian Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Aras Özbiliz
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 9, 1990
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bakırköy, İstanbul, Turkey

Turkish-born Armenian footballer Aras Özbiliz is best known as a midfielder for Pyunik. Starting his youth career with the Dutch club Hollandia, he later had successful stints with Ajax and Beşiktaş. He has also played for clubs from Turkey, Moldova, Spain, and Russia.

 40 
Leo V the Armenian
(Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 813 to 820)
Leo V the Armenian
0
Birthdate: 0775 AD
Birthplace: Armenia
Died: December 25, 0820
 41 
Anastas Mikoyan
(First Deputy Premier of the Soviet Union (1955 - 1964))
Anastas Mikoyan
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 25, 1895
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Sanahin, Alaverdi, Armenia
Died: October 21, 1978

Anastas Mikoyan was an Armenian Communist revolutionary. He was an Old Bolshevik. He held several high governmental posts during Joseph Stalin’s rule but began to lose favor towards the end of his regime. He once again regained his power during Nikita Khrushchev’s rule and served as the chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. He also wrote several memoirs.  

 42 
Rouben Mamoulian
(Film director)
Rouben Mamoulian
1
Birthdate: October 8, 1897
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
Died: December 4, 1987
 43 
Tiridates III of Armenia
(King)
Tiridates III of Armenia
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 0250 AD
Birthplace: Armenia
Died: 0330 AD
 44 
Vic Darchinyan
(Armenian Retired Professional Boxer)
Vic Darchinyan
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 7, 1976
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Vanadzor, Armenia

Vic Darchinyan is an Armenian retired professional boxer who was active from 2000 to 2017. Darchinyan held various world championships in the flyweight and super-flyweight divisions. From 2004 to 2007, Vic Darchinyan held the IBF flyweight title. Between 2008 and 2010, he held the WBA, IBF, and WBC super-flyweight titles.

 45 
Nikol Pashinyan
(16th Prime Minister of Armenia)
Nikol Pashinyan
7
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 1, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ijevan, Armenia

Nikol Pashinyan is an Armenian politician and the current prime minister of Armenia. A multi-talented personality, Pashinyan is also an accomplished journalist and editor; he founded his own newspaper in 1998 and edited Haykakan Zhamanak from 1999 to 2012. In 2018, Time magazine included him amongst the four crusaders trying hard to keep the dream of democracy alive.

 46 
Samvel Yervinyan
(Musician, Composer, Violinist)
Samvel Yervinyan
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 25, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Yerevan
 47 
Tigran L. Petrosian
(Armenian Chess Player and Grandmaster)
Tigran L. Petrosian
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 17, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia

Tigran L. Petrosian is an Armenian chess player who achieved the prestigious grandmaster title in 2004. In addition to being a two-time national champion, Tigran L. Petrosian has also helped his national team win gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Chess Olympiads.

 48 
Andranik
(Armenian Statesman and Military Commander Who Played an Important Role in the Armenian Liberation Movement)
Andranik
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 25, 1865
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Şebinkarahisar, Turkey
Died: August 31, 1927

Andranik was an Armenian statesman and military commander. He played an important role in the Armenian national liberation movement and took part in the military campaigns as part of Armenia's fight for independence. He also took part in the First Balkan War and World War I. Today, Andranik is considered a national hero in Armenia.

 49 
Saint Gregory Narekatzi
(Poet)
Saint Gregory Narekatzi
1
Birthdate: 0950 AD
Birthplace: Yemişlik, Turkey
Died: 1003 AD
 50 
Hovhannes Tumanyan
(Poet)
Hovhannes Tumanyan
0
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: February 19, 1869
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lori Province, Armenia
Died: March 23, 1923