According to an 11th-century inscription found in Lmbatavank monastery of Artik, the town was known as Hartk () during the Middle Ages. It was later known as Ardik (), Ardik' () and Artik (). According to locals, the name consists of 2 parts: Ar derived from Mount Aragats, and tik meaning leaning in Armenian. Thus, the name Artik most probably means leaning on Aragats.