Boy Name · Sanskrit Origin
Karthik
कार्तिक
Quick Answer
Karthik (कार्तिक) is a Sanskrit-origin boy's name meaning "one who bestows courage." It is associated with Mrigashira nakshatra and Mithuna rashi. The Chaldean numerology value is 8 (Power).
Meaning & Etymology
Meaning
one who bestows courage · son of Shiva · born in Kartik month
Etymology
From "Krittika" nakshatra — Kartikeya (Murugan/Skanda) is the son of Shiva, raised by the six Krittika mothers (the Pleiades). He is the commander of the divine army and the god of war.
Vedic Astrology Connection
In Vedic tradition, names starting with specific syllables are prescribed for children born under each nakshatra.Karthik begins with "Ka", which corresponds to Mrigashira nakshatra. The ruling planet Mars influences the personality and life path of Karthik.
Numerology of Karthik
Authoritative, ambitious, material. Natural executives and strategists. Ability to manifest goals in the material world.
Calculated using Chaldean numerology system: each letter of "Karthik" maps to a number, and the sum is reduced to a single digit (or master number 11/22). This method is rooted in ancient Babylonian numerology and widely used in Vedic practice.
At a Glance
| Name | Karthik (कार्तिक) |
| Gender | Boy |
| Meaning | one who bestows courage, son of Shiva, born in Kartik month |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Nakshatra | Mrigashira |
| Rashi | Mithuna |
| Numerology | 8 (Power) |
| Popularity | classic |
| Region | Tamil Nadu, South India, Pan-Indian |
Famous People Named Karthik
- →Karthik Aryan (actor)
- →Kartik Aaryan (actor)
Similar Names
Why This Name Fits Mrigashira Nakshatra
In Vedic astrology, the nakshatra (lunar mansion) at the time of birth determines which syllables are auspicious for the child's name. Mrigashiranakshatra prescribes names starting with "Ve", "Vo", "Ka", "Ki".Karthik begins with "Ka", making it a traditionally appropriate choice for children born under Mrigashira.
The belief is that using the correct starting syllable aligns the child's name with the vibrational energy of their birth nakshatra, creating harmony between the individual and the cosmos. This practice is recorded in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and is still widely followed across India.
Learn more about Mrigashira nakshatra →Frequently Asked Questions
What does Karthik mean?
Karthik (कार्तिक) means "one who bestows courage, son of Shiva, born in Kartik month". It is of Sanskrit origin. From "Krittika" nakshatra — Kartikeya (Murugan/Skanda) is the son of Shiva, raised by the six Krittika mothers (the Pleiades). He is the commander of the divine army and the god of war....
Which nakshatra is Karthik for?
Karthik is traditionally recommended for children born under Mrigashira nakshatra, as it starts with the prescribed syllable "Ka".
What is the numerology number of Karthik?
The Chaldean numerology number of Karthik is 8, which represents Power: Authoritative, ambitious, material. Natural executives and strategists. Ability to manifest goals in the material world.
Is Karthik a popular name in India?
Karthik is considered a classic name, particularly popular in Tamil Nadu, South India, Pan-Indian.