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Home › Baby Names Directory › Karthik

Karthik

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAR-tik /ˈkɑr.tɪk/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit Kartik/Karttika — a name of the war-god Kartikeya (son of Shiva); also the autumn month KartikMedium

In 30 seconds: The god of war: Karthik is a name of the warrior god Kartikeya. Strong, devout, and warm.
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Origin MediumSanskrit
MeaningFrom Sanskrit Kartik/Karttika — a name of the war-god Kartikeya (son of Shiva); also the autumn month Kartik
U.S. rank (2024)#5320 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2010
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,475

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201019772024

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

Karthik comes from Sanskrit Kartik/Karttika — a name of Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war, the son of Shiva and Parvati (commander of the gods' armies) — and the name of the sacred autumn month Kartik (October–November). A strong, devout, very popular name across South India (said 'KAR-tik').

In the U.S. it appears in South Asian families. Rare, the-god-of-war at the root, and strong.

Did you know? Karthik is a short form of Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war (the son of Shiva) — and the name of the auspicious autumn month Kartik — a strong, devout, hugely popular South Indian name (said 'KAR-tik').
Overall data confidence 78%
Sanskrit references — Kartik — etymology

Variations

KarthikeyaKartikeyaKartik

Nicknames

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If you like Karthik…

Advik— another Sanskrit name
Ashvik— shares Karthik's Sanskrit roots
Daivik— a similarly popular pick
Anik— echoes that soft -ik sound
Manvik— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Karthik

By themesanskrithindu
By meaningGod / DivineWarrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Karthik mean?

Karthik is a name of Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war (and the month Kartik).

How do you pronounce Karthik?

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

Is Karthik a boy or girl name?

Karthik is a boy's name.

How popular is Karthik?

Karthik is a rare name in the U.S.

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