Karma

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAR-mah /ˈkɑr.mɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit karma, 'action, deed; fate, destiny; the spiritual law of cause and effect'; used for both sexes; here for boys; we note the sacred conceptLow

In 30 seconds: Action; fate; cause and effect: Karma is Sanskrit for 'action; destiny'. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'KAR-mah').

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Origin MediumSanskrit

MeaningFrom Sanskrit karma, 'action, deed; fate, destiny; the spiritual law of cause and effect'; used for both sexes; here for boys; we note the sacred concept

U.S. rank (2025)#5999 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 269

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Karma comes from Sanskrit karma, 'action, deed; fate, destiny; the spiritual law of cause and effect' (the idea that one's deeds shape one's future; we note the sacred concept). A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; it is also a Tibetan/Bhutanese name; nickname Kar).

In the U.S. it appears in South Asian and modern families. Rare for boys, action-and-cause-and-effect at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Karma means 'action, deed; fate, destiny; the law of cause and effect' in Sanskrit — a central spiritual concept in Hindu and Buddhist thought — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for boys; we note the sacred concept; said 'KAR-mah').

Overall data confidence 55%

Sanskrit references — karma — sacred concept

Variations

KarmanKarmraj

Nicknames

Kar

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Karma mean?

Karma is Sanskrit for 'action; fate; the law of cause and effect'. We note the sacred concept.

How do you pronounce Karma?

It's said KAR-mah /ˈkɑr.mɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Karma a boy or girl name?

Karma is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Karma?

Karma is a rare name for boys in the U.S.