Kartikeya
Kartikeya (कार्त्तिकेय) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha”. Find pronunciation, origin, deity association, popularity and similar Hindu baby names.
Kartikeya (कार्त्तिकेय) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha”. Find pronunciation, origin, deity association, popularity and similar Hindu baby names.
Kartikeya (कार्त्तिकेय, IAST: kārttikeya) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha”. The six-faced god of war and victory; born to Shiva and Parvati and fostered by the six Krittika stars of the Pleiades.
Meaning, etymology & significance
Kartikeya (कार्त्तिकेय) is one of the principal names of Skanda — the six-faced warrior son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of Ganesha, and commander-in-chief of the army of the devas. The name means “son of the Krittikas” — for he was nursed by the six Krittika stars (the Pleiades), each of whom held one of his six heads.
In South India he is the principal deity of Tamil Shaivism and is worshipped as Murugan in the six great Padai Veedu temples — Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai, Tiruparankunram, Pazhamudircholai and Tiruttani. In North India the same deity is Kartikeya, less daily-worshipped but central to many Mahabharata stories.
Skanda’s vehicle is the peacock; his weapon is the vēl — a divine spear given by Parvati. Boys named Kartikeya are traditionally said to grow strong in body and quick in courage.
The shorter Karthik (कार्तिक) is more common in everyday use and exists as a separate Post on this site. Kartikeya is the fuller, more ceremonial form.
Astrology — nakshatra & rashi
By the standard Vedic correspondence between the first syllable of a name and the lunar mansion (nakshatra), Kartikeya aligns with the Mrigashira nakshatra, under the Mithuna rashi (Moon sign).
Similar names
Hindu names with a similar feel or meaning include: Karthik, Skanda, Murugan. Each is a distinct choice with its own etymology — explore them on their own pages for fuller context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kartikeya mean?
Kartikeya ( कार्त्तिकेय , IAST: kārttikeya ) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha” . The six-faced god of war and victory; born to Shiva and Parvati and fostered by the six Krittika stars of the Pleiades.
Is Kartikeya a good Hindu baby name?
Yes — it is a traditional Hindu name with an auspicious meaning, suitable for a baby and rooted in Sanatana Dharma values.
What is the origin of the name Kartikeya?
It has Sanskrit/Hindu origins; its roots, deity association and significance are detailed above.
Are there variations or similar names to Kartikeya?
Related and similarly-themed Hindu names, along with their meanings, are listed in the guide above to help you choose.
Kartikeya — Name Facts
- Meaning
- Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha
- Gender
- Hindu boy name
- Nakshatra
- Mrigashira
- Rashi
- Mithuna (Gemini)
- Numerology
- 1
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kartikeya mean?
Kartikeya is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy name meaning “Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha”.
Is Kartikeya a boy or girl name?
Kartikeya is traditionally a Hindu boy name.
Which nakshatra and rashi suit the name Kartikeya?
By the first-syllable rule of Vedic naming, Kartikeya aligns with the Mrigashira nakshatra, under the Mithuna (Gemini) rashi.
What is the numerology number of Kartikeya?
The Chaldean name number of Kartikeya is 1.
Explore more: Mrigashira nakshatra names · Mithuna rashi names · Hindu boy names with K · All Hindu names A–Z
