Karthik

“The one who bestows happiness; Lord Murugan”

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#4808US 2023

21Births / yr

↓Falling

1.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 197700

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Karthik right now?

Falling — down 668 spots — currently #4808 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#4808 · Top 3.5%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karthik

Best Year2010Rank #1840

Peak Count79

Average Rank#3728

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

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:

Jacob Ethan Michael Jayden William

Karthik by decade

Karthik peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

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?

Common

KarKaArthik

What names sound and feel like Karthik?

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

Arabic · A Arabic name

India · कुशल, प्रतिभाशाली, चतुर

How is Karthik written in other languages?

கார்த்திக்

Tamil), కార్తీక్ (Telugu), കാർത്തിക് (Malayalam

What are the girl versions of Karthik?

Karthika MALAYALAM Karthika TAMIL

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.