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Karthikeya

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Karthikeya Pronunciation

Karthikeya is pronounced kar-tih-KAY-ah /ˌkɑr.tɪˈkeɪ.ɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit Kartikeya, 'son of the Krittikas (the Pleiades)' — the Hindu god of war (Skanda/Murugan), son of ShivaMedium

In 30 seconds: The god of war: Karthikeya is the warrior son of Shiva — 'son of the Pleiades'. Devout, strong, and grand.

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Origin HighSanskrit

MeaningFrom Sanskrit Kartikeya, 'son of the Krittikas (the Pleiades)' — the Hindu god of war (Skanda/Murugan), son of Shiva

U.S. rank (2024)#5140 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 337

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Karthikeya comes from Sanskrit Kartikeya, 'son of the Krittikas (the Pleiades)' — the Hindu god of war (also called Skanda, Murugan, or Subramanya), the son of Shiva and Parvati, commander of the gods' armies. A devout, strong, grand name across India.

In the U.S. it appears in South Asian families. Rare, son-of-the-Pleiades at the root, and grand.

Did you know? Kartikeya (Skanda/Murugan) is the Hindu god of war, the son of Shiva and Parvati — 'son of the Krittikas (the Pleiades)', who nursed him; a devout, strong, grand name.

Overall data confidence 80%

Sanskrit references — Kartikeya — etymology

Variations

KartikeyaKarthikKartik

Nicknames

Karthik

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Karthikeya…

Arya— shares Karthikeya's Sanskrit roots

Agasthya— a fellow Sanskrit choice

Shourya— echoes that soft -ya sound

Arjunreddy— a similarly popular pick

Agastya— a fellow Sanskrit choice

→ See all names like Karthikeya

Browse the whole category: All Sanskrit names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Karthikeya?

Karthikeya is pronounced kar-tih-KAY-ah (/ˌkɑr.tɪˈkeɪ.ɑ/). Press play above to hear Karthikeya said aloud.

How do you say Karthikeya?

Karthikeya is said kar-tih-KAY-ah (/ˌkɑr.tɪˈkeɪ.ɑ/). Press play above to hear Karthikeya said aloud.

What does the name Karthikeya mean?

Karthikeya is Sanskrit for 'son of the Krittikas (the Pleiades)' — the Hindu god of war, son of Shiva.

Is Karthikeya a boy or girl name?

Karthikeya is a boy's name.

How popular is Karthikeya?

Karthikeya is a rare name in the U.S.