"born in the month of Kartik"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Sanskrit
Karthik
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Named for Murugan, the South Indian god of victory
Indian
Tamil
Telugu
Kannada
Malayalam
Spiritual
Strong
Traditional
Classic
Bold
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The Story of Karthik
Karthik derives from Sanskrit 'Kartik' (कार्तिक), a name associated with Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and victory, also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya. The name also connects to Kartika, the eighth month of the Hindu lunar calendar (roughly October-November), considered particularly sacred. The month is associated with the Pleiades star cluster (the Krittikas), the divine mothers who nursed the infant Kartikeya.
Karthik is a very popular name in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. It consistently ranks among the most common names for boys in South Indian communities both in India and in the diaspora worldwide. The name's connection to the beloved god Murugan/Kartikeya gives it enduring religious and cultural significance.
Kartikeya (also called Murugan) is one of the most important deities in South Indian Hinduism, particularly venerated in Tamil culture. He is considered the god of war, wisdom, and beauty. Naming a son Karthik is an invocation of divine protection and is one of the most traditional and beloved naming choices in South India.
Historical Record
Karthik first appeared in US Social Security records in 1977.
Over 1,475 babies have been named Karthik in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Karthik is past its peak , currently ranked #5,386 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Karthik month (October-November) is considered so sacred in Hinduism that lighting lamps during this period is believed to grant moksha (liberation)
- The deity Kartikeya is said to have been raised by the six Krittikas (the Pleiades stars), which is why he is sometimes depicted with six faces
- Tamil Nadu has more temples dedicated to Murugan/Kartikeya than any other deity, including the famous Palani Murugan temple
Karthik in Other Languages
Hindi
कार्तिक
Tamil
கார்த்திக்
Telugu
కార్తీక్
Kannada
ಕಾರ್ತಿಕ್
Sanskrit
कार्तिक
Malayalam
കാർത്തിക്
Popularity Over Time
#5,386
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2010
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Karthik
K
Karthik Subbaraj
Other
1984
Indian Tamil film director known for innovative films like Pizza and Petta
K
Karthik (actor)
Actor
Indian Tamil actor known for his work in Tamil cinema, often in leading romantic roles
K
Karthik Calling Karthik Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the 2010 Bollywood psychological thriller film of the same name, played by Farhan Akhtar
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Compare Karthik with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,386
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Tamil Telugu Kannada Malayalam
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Karthi
KK
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Karthik
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Karthik
What does the name Karthik mean?
"born in the month of Kartik" (from Sanskrit). Karthik derives from Sanskrit 'Kartik' (कार्तिक), a name associated with Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and victory, also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya. The name also connects to Kartika, the eighth month of the Hindu lunar calendar (roughly October-November), considered particularly sacred. The month is associated with the Pleiades star cluster (the Krittikas), the divine mothers who nursed the infant Kartikeya.
What is the origin of the name Karthik?
Karthik has Sanskrit, Indian, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam origins. In Sanskrit, it means "born in the month of Kartik".
Is Karthik a boy or girl name?
Karthik is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Karthik?
Karthik is currently ranked #5386 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Karthik?
Common nicknames for Karthik include Karthi.
What are good middle names for Karthik?
Popular middle name pairings include Karthik Raj, Karthik Kumar, Karthik Suresh, Karthik Arun, Karthik Vikram, and Karthik Rajan.
What are good sibling names for Karthik?
Names that pair well with Karthik as siblings include Deepa, Priya, Arun, Suresh, Kavitha, and Meera.
How many syllables does Karthik have?
Karthik has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Karthik a common or rare name?
Karthik is an uncommon name, ranked #5386 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Karthik?
About the Name Karthik
Karthik is a boy name with Indian, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam origins . The name means "born in the month of Kartik" in Sanskrit .
Karthik is currently ranked #5,386 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Karthik has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Karthik include Karthi and KK. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Karthik include Karter, Kartier . 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