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Skanda

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Skanda

Pronounced SKUHN-dah /ˈskʌn.dɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit Skanda — a name of the Hindu war god Kartikeya/Murugan, son of Shiva; possibly 'leaping, attacking, spurting'Low

In 30 seconds: The war god: Skanda is a name of the Hindu war god (Kartikeya). Strong, devout, and warm (said 'SKUHN-dah').

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Origin MediumSanskrit

MeaningFrom Sanskrit Skanda — a name of the Hindu war god Kartikeya/Murugan, son of Shiva; possibly 'leaping, attacking, spurting'

U.S. rank (2024)#5609 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 168

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

Skanda comes from Sanskrit — Skanda, a name of the Hindu war god Kartikeya (also Murugan), the youthful, valiant commander of the heavenly armies and son of Shiva and Parvati. The name is possibly linked to 'leaping, attacking, spurting' (the origin is debated, which we note). A strong, devout deity-linked name (said 'SKUHN-dah').

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

Did you know? Skanda is a name of the Hindu war god — Kartikeya/Murugan, the youthful, valiant son of Shiva and Parvati — possibly meaning 'leaping, attacking' (the origin is debated, which we note) — a strong, devout name (said 'SKUHN-dah').

Overall data confidence 60%

Sanskrit references — Skanda — deity name; origin debated

Variations

KartikeyaMuruganSkandh

Nicknames

Skand

Famous Bearers

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If you like Skanda…

Shriyan— a fellow Sanskrit choice

Sharvil— another Sanskrit name

Sriyan— shares Skanda's Sanskrit roots

Samay— another Sanskrit name

Shivam— shares Skanda's Sanskrit roots

Explore names like Skanda

By themeuncertain sanskrit hindu deity-name

By meaningGod / Divine Warrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Skanda mean?

Skanda is a name of the Hindu war god Kartikeya/Murugan; possibly 'leaping, attacking'; the origin is debated, which we note.

How do you pronounce Skanda?

It's said SKUHN-dah /ˈskʌn.dɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Skanda a boy or girl name?

Skanda is a boy's name.

How popular is Skanda?

Skanda is a rare name in the U.S.