Kartikeya

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.

The meaning and Sanskrit roots of Kartikeya

Kartikeya (कार्त्तिकेय, IAST: kārttikeya) is a Sanskrit-origin boy-name meaning “Son of the Krittikas; the warrior god, brother of Ganesha.” The name is a patronymic formed from Kṛttikā — the cluster of six stars known as the Pleiades — with the vṛddhi suffix -eya, giving the literal sense of “one belonging to, or reared by, the Krittikas.” It names Skanda, the six-faced commander of the celestial armies, whom the six Krittika mothers nursed.

Beyond its astronomical root, the name gathers the qualities of the god it belongs to: martial courage, radiant youth, and swift victory. Each of the six faces is said to face a direction, watching over the world, so the name quietly carries a sense of vigilance and all-seeing protection alongside its warrior meaning.

Kartikeya in Hindu culture and tradition

Kartikeya is one of the most widely revered deities across Hindu tradition, worshipped as Skanda, Murugan, Subrahmanya, and Kumara. Born of Shiva and Parvati and fostered by the Krittika stars, he is the younger brother of Ganesha and the general who leads the devas to triumph over the demon Taraka. His vahana is the peacock and his weapon the vel, or divine spear.

He is especially beloved in the temples of South India, where the festival of Skanda Shashthi draws great devotion, and hill shrines celebrate him as the ever-youthful lord. To give a child this name is to place him under the sign of a deity associated with valour, wisdom, and the protection of the righteous.

The spirit of the name Kartikeya

As a name for a son, Kartikeya suggests a boy of energy, brightness, and quiet strength — someone who leads without cruelty and defends what is dear. The imagery of six stars nurturing one child gives the name a warmth beneath its martial edge: it speaks of being cherished, guided, and raised for a purpose larger than oneself.

• Courage and leadership drawn from the warrior-general Skanda
• A link to the Krittika (Pleiades) stars and the peacock
• The tenderness of a child raised by six devoted mothers

Names similar to Kartikeya

Parents drawn to Kartikeya often also consider its many synonymous forms of the same deity, such as Skanda, Murugan, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha, Kumara, and Guha. Those who love the martial and stellar overtones may also look at names like Arjun, Veerendra, or Tejas, which share its blend of strength and radiance.

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.