Karan

“Pure cell”

India origin · Unisex name

♂ 29% boys♀ 71% girls

#1566US 2023

634Births / yr

→Stable

4.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 193600.01% of births at peak

What does Karan mean and where does it come from?

Karan is a unisex name but is more traditionally recognized as masculine in some cultures, particularly in India, where it is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kara' meaning 'hand' or 'doer.' In Persian culture, it means 'noble' or 'generous.' The name has seen variations such as 'Karan' and 'Karanik'

Cultural significance

Karan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure cell.

Peak popularity

Reached #746 in 1956 — currently #1566 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Karan?

Karan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Karan Grace

How popular is Karan right now?

Holding steady — currently #1566 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#1566 · Top 1.2%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1995

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1566	634	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1571	614	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1576	584	▲ up 13729 · +11580% births
2000	#15305	5	▼ down 7097 · -50% births
1995	#8208	10	▼ down 1646
1985	#6562	10	▼ down 1237 · -23% births
1980	#5325	13	▼ down 2221 · -43% births
1975	#3104	23	▼ down 1187 · -49% births
1970	#1917	45	▼ down 810 · -51% births
1965	#1107	91	▼ down 72 · -17% births
1960	#1035	109	▼ down 268 · -30% births
1955	#767	156	▲ up 97 · +47% births
1950	#864	106	▲ up 149 · +80% births
1945	#1013	59	▲ up 360 · +90% births
1940	#1373	31	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karan

Best Year1955Rank #767

Peak Count634

Average Rank#3420

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1940 - 202315 years

The story of Karan

Karan entered American naming records in 1936 and has been in use for over 88 years. With 4,893 total births recorded, Karan remains relatively uncommon. Karan is used for both genders: 71% female and 29% male.

Names that peaked alongside Karan in 1956:

Mary Debra Linda Deborah Susan

Karan by decade

Karan peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	64
1940s	769
1950s ★	1,316
1960s	849
1970s	272
1980s	216
1990s	589
2000s	572
2010s	234
2020s	12

💎With 4,893 total births, Karan is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Karan?

Common

KarKarieKary

What names sound and feel like Karan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karan also consider these

Karsan

India · Karsana - The

Kanan

India · The place of

Kaaran

India · Perfect, complete

Saran

India · to give, support

How is Karan written in other languages?

Marathi), કરણ

Gujarati), ਕਰਨ (Gurmukhi

Common questions about the name Karan

What does the name Karan mean?

Karan means "Pure cell" — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Karan?

Karan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Karan?

Karan originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Karan a common or rare name?

Karan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Karan more of a girl or boy name?

Karan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.