What does Karthikeya mean and where does it come from?
Karthikeya (कार्तिकेय) is a prominent name in Hindu mythology, referring to a deity known as the God of War and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is often depicted riding a peacock and is associated with victory and strength. The worship of Karthikeya is especially common in South India,
Cultural significance
Karthikeya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the son of lord shiva; a god of war..
Peak popularity
Reached #3046 in 2016 — currently #4279 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Karthikeya?
Karthikeya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karthikeya Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karthikeya Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karthikeya Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karthikeya Claire
French influence · crisp
Karthikeya Jane
Literary · strong
Karthikeya Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karthikeya right now?
Rising fast — up 2038 spots — currently #4279 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4279 | 25 | ▲ up 2038 · +79% births |
| 2022 | #6317 | 14 | ▼ down 1294 · -26% births |
| 2021 | #5023 | 19 | ▲ up 120 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #5143 | 18 | ▼ down 874 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #4269 | 24 | ▲ up 3243 · +118% births |
| 2010 | #7512 | 11 | — |
The story of Karthikeya
Karthikeya is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 260 total births recorded, Karthikeya remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7512 in 2010 to #4279 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karthikeya in 2016:
Karthikeya by decade
Karthikeya peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 2000s | 34 | |
| 2010s ★ | 208 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎Karthikeya has only 260 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Karthikeya?
What names sound and feel like Karthikeya?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karthikeya also consider these
Common questions about the name Karthikeya
What does the name Karthikeya mean?
Karthikeya means "The son of Lord Shiva; a god of war." — 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 Karthikeya?
Karthikeya is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Karthikeya have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Karthikeya?
Karthikeya 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.
What sibling names go well with Karthikeya?
Karthikeya pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Karthikeya trending right now?
Karthikeya is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.