Boy Name · Sanskrit/Tamil Origin
Kartikeyan
कार्तिकेयन
Quick Answer
Kartikeyan (कार्तिकेयन) is a Sanskrit/Tamil-origin boy's name meaning "son of the Pleiades." It is associated with Mrigashira nakshatra and Mithuna rashi. The Chaldean numerology value is 6 (Nurturing).
Meaning & Etymology
Meaning
son of the Pleiades · the divine warrior · Murugan — god of Mars
Etymology
From "Karttikeya" — the son of Shiva, nursed by the six Krittikas (Pleiades), god of war and victory. Kartikeyan is his Tamil honorific form. As the ruling deity of Mars, Kartikeyan has a particularly powerful resonance for Mrigashira — whose nakshatra lord is Mars himself.
Vedic Astrology Connection
In Vedic tradition, names starting with specific syllables are prescribed for children born under each nakshatra.Kartikeyan begins with "Ka", which corresponds to Mrigashira nakshatra. The ruling planet Mars influences the personality and life path of Kartikeyan.
Numerology of Kartikeyan
Responsible, caring, domestic. Natural healers and caretakers. Deep sense of community and family responsibility.
Calculated using Chaldean numerology system: each letter of "Kartikeyan" 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 | Kartikeyan (कार्तिकेयन) |
| Gender | Boy |
| Meaning | son of the Pleiades, the divine warrior, Murugan — god of Mars |
| Origin | Sanskrit/Tamil |
| Syllables | 5 |
| Nakshatra | Mrigashira |
| Rashi | Mithuna |
| Numerology | 6 (Nurturing) |
| Popularity | classic |
| Region | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka, South India, Singapore |
Famous People Named Kartikeyan
- →Kartikeyan (major South Indian deity)
- →Narain Kartikeyan (Formula 1 driver)
- →Common in Tamil and Malayalam families
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".Kartikeyan 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 Kartikeyan mean?
Kartikeyan (कार्तिकेयन) means "son of the Pleiades, the divine warrior, Murugan — god of Mars". It is of Sanskrit/Tamil origin. From "Karttikeya" — the son of Shiva, nursed by the six Krittikas (Pleiades), god of war and victory. Kartikeyan is his Tamil honorific form. As the ruling deity of Mars, Kartikeyan has a particularly...
Which nakshatra is Kartikeyan for?
Kartikeyan is traditionally recommended for children born under Mrigashira nakshatra, as it starts with the prescribed syllable "Ka".
What is the numerology number of Kartikeyan?
The Chaldean numerology number of Kartikeyan is 6, which represents Nurturing: Responsible, caring, domestic. Natural healers and caretakers. Deep sense of community and family responsibility.
Is Kartikeyan a popular name in India?
Kartikeyan is considered a classic name, particularly popular in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka.