Karthikeya
2025 SSA
About Karthikeya
Karthikeya is a masculine name from Hindu tradition, referring to Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Also known as Skanda or Subrahmanya, Karthikeya is the Hindu god of war and victory. The name derives from Sanskrit, associated with the Krittika (Pleiades) constellation under which he was born, essentially meaning 'son of the Krittikas.' In Indian culture, particularly in South India, Karthikeya represents youth, power, and wisdom. The name carries significant religious and cultural meaning for Hindu families, symbolizing divine protection and strength. While traditional in India, especially among Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada communities, it remains relatively uncommon internationally. For parents seeking a name with profound spiritual significance and connection to Hindu heritage, Karthikeya offers both religious depth and a melodious four-syllable rhythm.
Pronounced kar-thi-KAY-uh.
As of October 2026, Karthikeya ranked #3478 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3035 for boys in 2016.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #3,422 | 32 | 16.7 |
| 2015 | #4,228 | 24 | 12.5 |
| 2016 | #3,035 | 39 | 20.6 |
| 2017 | #3,930 | 27 | 14.6 |
| 2018 | #4,670 | 21 | 11.6 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | #4,279 | 25 | 14.6 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | #3,478 | 33 | 19.3 |