Karan
Meaningear; an epic hero · Sanskrit
Karan is an Indian boy name meaning “ear; an epic hero”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- AnagramShuffle the letters of Karan and you get Rakan. Same letters, different name.
- GenerationKaran peaked in 1995, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Karan you'd meet today is about 30 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Karan would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 142,857 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryKaran first shows up in US birth records in 1936, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 89 years since.
US births per million boys, 1973–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Karan
Karan is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “ear; an epic hero”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It hit its peak in the 1990s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Karan
What does the name Karan mean?
Karan means “ear; an epic hero” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Karan?
Karan is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Karan a boy or girl name?
Karan is a boy name. In 2025, 12 US boys were named Karan.
How popular is the name Karan?
Karan ranked #6,803 for US boys in 2025, given to 12 babies. Its best year was 1995, when it reached #1,327. Over the last five years it has slipped 183 places.
What should I know before naming my baby Karan?
Karan is an Indian boy name meaning “ear; an epic hero”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.