Aras is a masculine Lithuanian given name and surname. Rooted in old Lithuanian origins, the name Aras is associated with meanings such as "someone who takes responsibility" or "one who protects and cares deeply for what they value".
It is often linked to qualities such as loyalty, strength, protectiveness, and a strong sense of ownership and dedication.
The name also shares its origin with the Aras River, a historically significant waterway that flows from the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey through the Caucasus and into the Caspian Sea. The river has long been regarded as a symbol of life, continuity, and cultural connection across civilizations.
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Etymology and wider use
Turkish: Derived from an old Turkic root related to “seeking” or “guarding,” the name conveys a sense of stewardship and responsibility.
Kurdish & Persian: In these languages, Aras can mean “equal” or “balanced,” and it is also used in reference to the trans-boundary river.
Lithuanian: A separate etymology treats Aras as a poetic word for “eagle.”
Notable people
Given name
Aras Agalarov (born 1955), Azerbaijani-Russian businessman
Aras Amiri, Iranian national
Aras Aydın (born 1989), Turkish actor
Aras Baskauskas (born 1981), American yogi, musician and reality-TV personality
Aras Habib, Iraqi military officer
Aras Bulut İynemli (born 1990), Turkish actor
Aras Kaya (born 1994), Kenyan-Turkish athlete
Aras Koyi (born 1972), Kurdish-Swedish musical artist
Aras Onur (born 1982), Turkish author
Aras Özbiliz (born 1990), Turkish-Armenian footballer
Surname
Ahmet Aras (born 1987), Turkish footballer
Ardan Aras (born 1984), Indonesian politician and former footballer
Augusto Aras (born 1958), Brazilian attorney
Irsyad Aras (born 1979), Indonesian footballer
Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras (born 1954), Turkish banker
Muhammad Ben Aras (born 1930), Pakistani athlete
Muhterem Aras (born 1966), German politician of Turkish origin
Murat Aras (born 1973), Turkish screenwriter
Tevfik Rüştü Aras (1883–1972), Turkish politician
Yıldız Aras (born 1977), Turkish karateka