What does Skanda mean and where does it come from?
Skanda is a name of Sanskrit origin primarily used in Hindu mythology. Skanda refers to a warrior god, also known as Kartikeya, who is considered the god of war and victory. He is often depicted with six faces and is the son of Shiva and Parvati. The name Skanda is popular in India and can also be f
Cultural significance
Skanda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who is warlike; lord of war.
Peak popularity
Reached #6000 in 2016 — currently #5881 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Skanda?
Skanda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Skanda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Skanda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Skanda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Skanda Claire
French influence · crisp
Skanda Jane
Literary · strong
Skanda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Skanda right now?
Rising fast — up 1806 spots — currently #5881 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5881 | 16 | ▲ up 1806 · +45% births |
| 2022 | #7687 | 11 | ▲ up 2930 · +57% births |
| 2021 | #10617 | 7 | ▼ down 2178 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #8439 | 9 | ▲ up 1868 · +29% births |
| 2015 | #10307 | 7 | ▼ down 1620 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #8687 | 9 | — |
The story of Skanda
Skanda is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 117 total births recorded, Skanda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8687 in 2010 to #5881 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Skanda in 2016:
Skanda by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 2000s | 19 | |
| 2010s ★ | 89 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
💎Skanda has only 117 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Skanda?
What names sound and feel like Skanda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Skanda also consider these
How is Skanda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Skanda
What does the name Skanda mean?
Skanda means "the one who is warlike; lord 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 Skanda?
Skanda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Skanda have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Skanda?
Skanda 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 Skanda trending right now?
Skanda is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Skanda a common or rare name?
Skanda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.