The question “Are the Kardashians Armenian?” frequently arises due to the family’s global fame and their prominent surname. The answer involves understanding the distinct lineages within the extended Kardashian-Jenner family, the meaning of their name, and how individual members connect with their heritage.
How are Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian Jr. Armenian?
Yes, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian Jr. are indeed of Armenian descent. Their Armenian heritage comes directly from their late father, Robert Kardashian Sr. (1944-2003).
Robert Sr.’s paternal grandparents were ethnic Armenian immigrants who sought refuge in the United States in the early 20th century, escaping the horrors of the Armenian Genocide.
- His grandfather, Tatos Saghatel Kardashian, hailed from the village of Karakale, near Kars, a region historically part of Armenia but now within modern-day Turkey.
- His grandmother, Hamas Shakarian, was also from an Armenian family originating from the same general area. Robert Sr.’s mother, Helen Arakelian Kardashian, was also of Armenian descent, making Robert Kardashian Sr. fully Armenian. Consequently, his children with Kris Jenner are half Armenian.
What does the surname ‘Kardashian’ mean in Armenian?
The surname Kardashian (Քարտաշյան) is of Armenian origin and typically means “son of a stonemason” or more broadly, “someone who processes or works with stone.” The root word “kardash” (քարտաշ) itself means “stone carver” or “stonemason” in Armenian (from “kar” քար - stone, and “dash” տաշ - related to carving/hewing). This suggests a family heritage possibly related to the craft of stone-working, a historically significant skill in Armenia known for its intricate stone architecture and khachkars (cross-stones). While there is a Turkish word “kardeş” meaning “brother,” this is distinct from the etymology of the Armenian surname Kardashian.
Who was Robert Kardashian Sr. and was he Armenian?
Yes, Robert Kardashian Sr. was a proud Armenian-American. He was born in Los Angeles to Armenian-American parents, making him of full Armenian descent. He became a well-known attorney and businessman, gaining significant national recognition as a close friend and one of O.J. Simpson’s defense attorneys during the highly publicized 1995 murder trial. He was deeply connected to his Armenian heritage and instilled this awareness in his children before his passing from esophageal cancer in 2003.
The Kardashian Siblings and Their Armenian Connection
While all four children of Robert Kardashian Sr. and Kris Jenner share this Armenian heritage, their public engagement with it has varied.
Is Kourtney Kardashian Armenian?
Yes, Kourtney Kardashian, as the eldest daughter of Robert Kardashian Sr., is of Armenian descent. She has accompanied her family on trips to Armenia, including the significant visit where her younger siblings’ children were baptized. While perhaps less vocal publicly about her heritage compared to Kim, she shares the same ancestral roots.
Is Kim Kardashian Armenian?
Yes, Kim Kardashian is of Armenian descent and is arguably the most public and vocal member of the family regarding her Armenian heritage. She has made several high-profile visits to Armenia, often with her children, whom she had baptized there in traditional Armenian Apostolic ceremonies. Kim frequently uses her massive social media platform to speak about Armenian culture, history, and advocate for Armenian causes.
Is Khloé Kardashian Armenian?
Yes, Khloé Kardashian also shares Armenian heritage through her father, Robert Kardashian Sr. She has joined her sisters on visits to Armenia, participating in cultural experiences and acknowledging her roots. Like her siblings, her Armenian ancestry is a part of her identity.
Is Rob Kardashian Jr. Armenian?
Yes, Rob Kardashian Jr., the youngest of Robert Sr. and Kris’s children, is also of Armenian descent. He shares the same paternal Armenian lineage as his sisters Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé.
What about the Jenner side of the family?
Is Kris Jenner Armenian?
No, Kris Jenner (née Houghton, formerly Kardashian) is not of Armenian descent. Her ancestry is primarily Northwestern European, including Dutch, English, Irish, German, and Scottish roots. Her marriage to Robert Kardashian Sr. is how her first four children inherit their Armenian heritage.
Are Kendall and Kylie Jenner Armenian?
No, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner are not of Armenian descent. Their father is Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner), and their mother is Kris Jenner. Neither Caitlyn nor Kris has Armenian ancestry. Therefore, Kendall and Kylie do not share the Armenian heritage of their older half-siblings. Their connection to Armenian culture is through their close family ties.
Embracing Armenian Heritage
Can the Kardashians speak Armenian?
While they deeply embrace and promote their Armenian heritage, Kim Kardashian and her siblings are not known to be fluent speakers of the Armenian language. They were raised primarily speaking English in the United States. They may know some common Armenian words, phrases, or greetings, often learned through family or during their visits to Armenia, but they do not typically converse in Armenian.
How have the Kardashians engaged with Armenian issues like the Genocide?
The Kardashians, with Kim Kardashian being the most prominent voice, have significantly used their global platform to advocate for issues of importance to the Armenian people:
- Armenian Genocide Recognition: Kim has been a steadfast and influential advocate for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. She has visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd) in Yerevan, shared educational content about the Genocide with her millions of social media followers, and publicly called on world leaders and governments (including the US government prior to its official recognition) to formally acknowledge it.
- Awareness for Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh): During periods of conflict and crisis affecting Artsakh, Kim and other family members have used their platforms to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation, call for peace, and encourage support and donations for affected Armenians.
- Promoting Armenian Culture and Tourism: Through their visits and social media, they have also indirectly and directly promoted Armenia as a travel destination and brought attention to its rich culture.
Their public engagement has undeniably brought significant global mainstream attention to Armenian history, culture, and contemporary challenges.