What does Karthik mean and where does it come from?
Karthik (Sanskrit: कार्तिक) is a name of considerable religious significance in Hindu culture. It is derived from the name of the Hindu god Kartikeya, who is revered as a god of war and victory. The name is popular in regions of India, particularly in South India. The month of Karthik in the Hindu l
Cultural significance
Karthik has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who bestows happiness; lord murugan.
Peak popularity
Reached #1840 in 2010 — currently #4808 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Karthik?
Karthik works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karthik Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karthik Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karthik Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karthik Claire
French influence · crisp
Karthik Jane
Literary · strong
Karthik Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karthik right now?
Falling — down 668 spots — currently #4808 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4808 | 21 | ▼ down 668 · -19% births |
| 2022 | #4140 | 26 | ▲ up 714 · +30% births |
| 2021 | #4854 | 20 | ▼ down 1432 · -37% births |
| 2020 | #3422 | 32 | ▼ down 1083 · -43% births |
| 2015 | #2339 | 56 | ▼ down 499 · -29% births |
| 2010 | #1840 | 79 | ▲ up 705 · +80% births |
| 2005 | #2545 | 44 | ▼ down 185 · +7% births |
| 2000 | #2360 | 41 | ▲ up 1625 · +156% births |
| 1995 | #3985 | 16 | ▲ up 1681 · +78% births |
| 1990 | #5666 | 9 | ▼ down 615 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #5051 | 8 | — |
The story of Karthik
Karthik is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 1,389 total births recorded, Karthik remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5051 in 1985 to #4808 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karthik in 2010:
Karthik by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 71 | |
| 1990s | 220 | |
| 2000s | 500 | |
| 2010s ★ | 561 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎With 1,389 total births, Karthik is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Karthik?
What names sound and feel like Karthik?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karthik also consider these
How is Karthik written in other languages?
கார்த்திக்
Tamil), కార్తీక్ (Telugu), കാർത്തിക് (Malayalam
What are the girl versions of Karthik?
Common questions about the name Karthik
What does the name Karthik mean?
Karthik means "The one who bestows happiness; Lord Murugan" — 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 Karthik?
Karthik is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Karthik?
Karthik 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 Karthik a common or rare name?
Karthik is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Karthik?
Karthik naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.