According to Movses Khorenatsi, the name Kotayk is derived from an ancient nearby settlement called Kutis.

The Kotayk plain located between Hrazdan and Azat rivers has a height of 1,200–1,500 m (3,937–4,921 ft) above sea level.

Affected by the Gegham volcanoes, the land relief of Kotayk is covered with lava and tufa.

By the end of the 9th century, the region became part of the newly established Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia.

Between the 11th and 15th centuries, the region suffered from the Seljuk, Mongol, Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Koyunlu invasions, respectively.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the territory of modern-day Kotayk became part of the Erivan Beglarbegi within the Safavid Persia.

It remained under the Persian rule until 1827–1828, when Eastern Armenia was ceded to the Russian Empire as a result of the Russo-Persian War of 1826–28 and the signing of the Treaty of Turkmenchay.

With the fall of the Russian Empire and after the decisive Armenian victories over the Turks in the battles of Sardarabad, Abaran, and Gharakilisa, the region became part of the independent Armenia in May 1918.

After the World War II, Kotayk witnessed major growth and development under the soviet rule.

Many new urban settlements and industrial centres were established in the region, including the towns of Byureghavan (1945), Charentsavan (1947), Nor Hachn (1953), Hrazdan (1959) and Abovyan (1963).

The regulating body of the church is the Diocese of Kotayk, headed by Archbishop Arakel Karamyan.

Minor communities of Russian Molokans, Yazidis, Kurds, Assyrians and Greeks are also found in Abovyan and Byureghavan.

[8] As a result of the administrative reforms took place on 9 June 2017, Kotayk is currently divided into 42 municipal communities (hamaynkner), of which 7 are urban and 35 are rural:[9][10][11][12] During the recent years, many rural settlements in Kotayk became abandoned, including the village of Saranist.

The towns of Byureghavan, Charentsavan, Nor Hachn, Hrazdan and Abovyan were founded by the USSR government between the 1940s and the 1960s to promote the industrial capacity of the Armenian SSR.

Food-processing, alcoholic beverages and building materials production are the prevailing sectors in the industry of the province.

Other major industrial firms located in the villages of Kotayk include: Chanakh dairy factory founded in 1991 in Zovk, Glanzh Alco Winery for cognac and wine founded in 2003 in Aramus, Nicola International Armenia for canned food in Aramus (since 2003), Ptghni Gold Winery for wine and liquor founded in 1996 in Ptghni, Bacon factory for meet products founded in 1995 in Arzni, Multi Aquamarine for spring water since 2003 in Akunk, Aquastone spring water manufacturers in Bjni since 2012, Rukar Group for vodka and calvados since 2010 in Verin Ptghni, Helias Vineyards for wine production since 2013 in Dzoraghbyur, and Pacific Home for spring water production founded in 2014 in Akunk.

The "Senator Golden Palace" casino of Tsaghkadzor is among the largest entertainment centers in Armenia.

The villages of Hankavan, Pyunik, Agveran, Bjni and Arzni are popular summer resorts and major destinations for medical tourism.

The pagan Temple of Garni and the medieval Kecharis Monastery are also among the attractive monuments of the province.

The short-lived King Delux FC of Abovyan played a single season in the Armenian First League of 2012–13.

The Zepyur Football Training Camp is located in the village of Pyunik at the north of Kotayk.