Karthikeyan
Meaninga name of Murugan · Sanskrit
Karthikeyan is an Indian boy name meaning “a name of Murugan”, 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 flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Karthikeyan would score 25 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5). A high-scoring name!
- GenerationKarthikeyan peaked in 2016, which makes it a Gen Alpha name. The typical Karthikeyan you'd meet today is about 9 years old.
- HistoryKarthikeyan first shows up in US birth records in 2016, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
US births per million boys, 2016–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Karthikeyan
Karthikeyan is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “a name of Murugan”. With 4 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. 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 Karthikeyan
What does the name Karthikeyan mean?
Karthikeyan means “a name of Murugan” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Velan (“spear-bearer, Murugan”), Saravanan (“born in reeds, Murugan”) and Senthil (“a name of Murugan”).
What is the origin of the name Karthikeyan?
Karthikeyan 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 Karthikeyan a boy or girl name?
Karthikeyan is a boy name.
How popular is the name Karthikeyan?
Karthikeyan is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2016. It peaked at #10,744 in 2016, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Karthikeyan?
If you like Karthikeyan, you might also like Velan, Saravanan and Senthil.
What should I know before naming my baby Karthikeyan?
Karthikeyan is an Indian boy name meaning “a name of Murugan”, 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 flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.