Karthik is a name of Indian origin, particularly from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. It is derived from the Tamil language and means "Lord Murugan," who is also known as Karthikeya or Subramanya, a popular Hindu god worshipped primarily by Tamils.
The name Karthik has a significant historical background rooted in Indian mythology. According to the stories, Lord Murugan, also referred to as Karthikeya, is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and the brother of Ganesha. He is considered the god of war and victory, and his image is often depicted with six faces and twelve arms, each holding a different weapon.
In Tamil culture, Karthik is also the name given to the month dedicated to Lord Murugan, which usually falls between October and November in the Gregorian calendar. During this month, devotees observe fasting and perform special rituals to honor the god.
As a name, Karthik has gained international recognition due to the increasing global population of Tamils and other Indian communities who have carried their cultural traditions and naming practices with them. Today, Karthik is not only popular in India but also among Indian diaspora families worldwide.
In terms of numerology, the name Karthik carries a numerical value that varies according to different systems. However, it is often associated with numbers such as 7 or 13, which have their own symbolic meanings and implications.
Overall, Karthik is an intriguing name with deep roots in Indian culture and history, carrying with it the power and prestige of its divine namesake, Lord Murugan.
The name Karthik has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past four decades in the United States.
From 1977 to 1989, there were fewer than 15 births per year with the name Karthik. However, this began to change significantly in 1990 when 24 babies were named Karthik at birth.
The popularity of the name Karthik continued to rise through the 1990s and early 2000s, peaking in 2007 with a total of 62 births. This trend continued until 2014 when there were still over 50 births recorded for each year.
However, since then, there has been a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Karthik. Between 2015 and 2023, the number of babies named Karthik at birth has fallen significantly, with only 26 births recorded in 2022 and 21 births in 2023.
In total, over the past four decades, there have been 1456 births registered with the name Karthik in the United States. This shows that while the name has seen periods of significant popularity, it has also gone through periods where its use was less common.