Geghard (Armenian: Գեղարդ) is an Armenian masculine given name meaning "lance, spear". The name is directly derived from the Armenian word geghard, which translates to "spear" or "lance". It is closely associated with the famous Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved out of a mountain in Kotayk province, Armenia. Etymology The word geghard comes from the Armenian root for "spear", and is also the source of the monastery's full name, Geghardavank ("Monastery of the Spear"). This etymology is linked to Christian tradition: the spear that wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion (the Holy Lance or Spear of Destiny) was allegedly brought to Armenia by the Apostle Jude (Thaddeus) and housed at the monastery. The name thus carries deep religious symbolism, particularly within the Armenian Apostolic Church. Notable Bearers While the given name Geghard is not widely common, its significance is closely tied to the monastery named after it. The monastery itself was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, at the site of a sacred spring. Its original name was Ayrivank ("the Monastery of the Cave"), but it was later renamed Geghardavank to reflect the relic it held. Cultural Significance As a given name, Geghard is a rare choice in modern Armenia but reflects a traditional naming practice of using place names or religious terms. The name's association with the Holy Lance gives it a powerful aura of protection and divine favor. The name also has an Armenian variant: Keghart (Ke̡hart̡), which uses a different transliteration but carries the same meaning and origin. Meaning: Lance, spearOrigin: ArmenianType: First name (masculine)Usage: Armenia