"fate, destiny shaped by one's actions"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: English
Karma
Pronunciation: [ k-AHRM-uh ]
Does Karma flow with your last name?
Ancient cosmic justice distilled into a child's name
American
Hindu
Buddhist
New Age/Spiritual
British
Spiritual
Bold
Unique
Earthy
Modern
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Some religious families consider the Hindu/Buddhist philosophical term inappropriate as a given name
- The phrase 'karma is a [expletive]' has established a vulgar idiomatic use in casual American speech
The Story of Karma
Karma comes from the Sanskrit word 'karman,' meaning 'action,' 'work,' or 'deed.' In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, karma is the cosmic principle of cause and effect: intentional actions shape future experiences, across this life and beyond. The concept entered English in the 19th century through scholars studying Indian religions and became widely known in Western culture through the 1960s counterculture's embrace of Eastern spirituality.
Karma as a given name has grown alongside Western interest in Eastern spirituality and mindfulness. Taylor Swift's 2022 album 'Midnights' features the track 'Karma,' boosting pop culture awareness. The name appeals to parents who value spiritual concepts, universal justice, and meaningful word-names — naming their child the very idea that goodness returns to you.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is a foundational metaphysical principle governing the universe. In contemporary Western culture, 'what goes around comes around' has made karma a widely understood concept far beyond religious contexts. The name carries an aspirational message: a life of good actions rewarded.
Historical Record
Karma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,917 babies have been named Karma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Karma is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,467 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The word karma has been in English dictionaries since 1827, introduced by scholars of Indian religion
- Taylor Swift's 'Karma' (2022) became one of Midnights' most streamed tracks, introducing the word to a new generation
- In Hindu philosophy, karma is divided into three types: sanchita (accumulated past actions), prarabdha (current life karma), and agami (future karma)
Karma in Other Languages
Hindi
कर्मा
Spanish
Karma
Tibetan
ལས (Las)
Japanese
カルマ
Sanskrit
कर्म (Karma)
Popularity Over Time
#1,467
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Karma
K
Karma Wilson
Writer
1969
American children's book author known for the beloved Bear series, including 'Bear Snores On' and 'Bear Wants More'
K
Karma Akabane Fictional
Other
A brilliant, mischievous student in the hit manga and anime series 'Assassination Classroom,' one of the fan-favorite ma...
A brilliant, mischievous student in the hit manga and anime series 'Assassination Classroom,' one of the fan-favorite main characters
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Compare Karma with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,467
- Total SSA Count
- 149
- Cultural Origins
- American Hindu Buddhist New Age/Spiritual British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kar
Karmi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Karma
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Karma is also used as a boy name, ranked #6240.
View Karma as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Karma
What does the name Karma mean?
"fate, destiny shaped by one's actions" (from Sanskrit). Karma comes from the Sanskrit word 'karman,' meaning 'action,' 'work,' or 'deed.' In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, karma is the cosmic principle of cause and effect: intentional actions shape future experiences, across this life and beyond. The concept entered English in the 19th century through scholars studying Indian religions and became widely known in Western culture through the 1960s counterculture's embrace of Eastern spirituality.
What is the origin of the name Karma?
Karma has Sanskrit, American, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age/Spiritual, and British origins. In Sanskrit, it means "fate, destiny shaped by one's actions".
Is Karma a boy or girl name?
Karma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1467. As a boy name, it is ranked #6240. Karma is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Karma?
Karma is pronounced k-AHRM-uh.
How popular is the name Karma?
Karma is currently ranked #1467 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Karma?
Common nicknames for Karma include Kar and Karmi.
What are good middle names for Karma?
Popular middle name pairings include Karma Grace, Karma Sage, Karma Luna, Karma Rose, and Karma Skye.
What are good sibling names for Karma?
Names that pair well with Karma as siblings include Bodhi, Zen, Destiny, Phoenix, River, and Sage.
How many syllables does Karma have?
Karma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Karma a common or rare name?
Karma is an uncommon name, ranked #1467 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Karma?
About the Name Karma
Karma is a girl name with American, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age/Spiritual, and British origins . The name means "fate, destiny shaped by one's actions" in Sanskrit .
Is Karma a boy or girl name? Karma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,467 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,240. Karma is more commonly used as a girl name.
Karma is currently ranked #1,467 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Karma has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AHRM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Karma include Kar and Karmi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Karma include Karmen, Karmyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis